The reason I think of him is that my mother mentioned that it is his death anniversary today. Years of looking at the black and white photo in our home, with a dry flower garland around it most days, I never realized the date. The year, I remembered – from the moment I could connect that the year on the photo was also the year I was born in.
The reason I mentioned him today was another relative being in similar pain, I heard he was before he died – he had oral cancer. My mother tells me about the days he would moan in pain and there was nothing anyone could do. There were not enough pain killers 30 years back. Nor was there any cure for him.
I do not know him enough. Just that he was a really good father, a simple honest man who died in pain, but content to see his family around him. My grandfather never saw the majority of kids of my generation in the family but my grandmother was sure, he picked us all before we left heaven to arrive on the earth.
the fading memories
walking through unknown trails
circling family lines
==
A poignant account of your grandfather. I like how you use the ordinary details of your daily life—and of your relative’s passing—to tell the story.
That’s simply moving
This is a very tender piece you have written to honor ancestrol family. Be proud PRATIBHA, well written!
Your simple telling magnifies the details, I’m glad he was able to hold you before you came to Earth <3
There is something unique of a grandfather whom you never known. My paternal grandfather died before I was even born…. but in his case it was over quickly and no pain.
Glad if the little mercies !
…memories circling family lines” … I like the words.
Even I kind of liked that in my head 🙂
I think we all crave for that grandparent love we never had because they left too early. I loved the last three lines.