As you probably know (link) (link), Nicole's dad, Dan Packer, died this weekend fighting a forest fire in California. We all miss him terribly.Since this is a blog for Wilson and Violet, it seems worthwhile to remember him here as a grandfather. Being Grandpa was one of the most important things in his life and he was very good at it. I've attached some pictures here.
Wilson was his "little shadow", following him around for hours while they washed cars or worked on the lawn or played hockey in the driveway. Wilson loved being in the garage with Grandpa, who probably let him play with all the tools that Daddy wouldn't let him get anywhere near. Dan was an excellent father to his four girls but I think he also really relished having a little boy to follow him around and to teach the way he followed around and learned from his father. It breaks my heart that that won't happen any more.
Violet's and her grandfather's lives only overlapped for two months but he had a great deal of love for her. He was a physical man but very gentle and tender when holding her. It is our job to let Violet know how much he loved her and the things that he had hoped to do with her and her brother.
Nicole and I always knew that aging was going to be hard on her dad but were confident that nothing would please him more than being surrounded by a mob of children and spouses and grandchildren on holidays. That is not going to happen now but there won't there won't be a Thanksgiving or Christmas that goes by that we won't think of it, and him.
Goodbye, Grandpa. We love you.
3 comments:
I am so sorry for your loss! My entire family has been praying and will continue to pray for you all! I wish I could take the pain away! I love you all VERY much!
We are so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I am speechless with the jumble of emotions that I am feeling. Perhaps this quote from George Bernard Shaw will be of some comfort to you:
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."
Oh, this blog breaks my heart. I am so sad for you guys and for Wilson & Violet's loss of their wonderful grandfather. You're in our prayers and thoughts quite a bit. Love you guys!!!
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