Heart Broken

I am so sorry for my absence on my blog. Last week, my Dad had sent me a message, telling me that my Grandpa (his Dad) has died. He has been in the hospital a few days before he had passed away. It was not Covid related.

He had a bad heart, but that never stopped him from loving everyone. Everyone was his best friend. He was my best friend my whole life. I feel really sad that he is no longer on earth with me. But I know that he will be looking down on me.

I have been trying to not let the sadness bring me down. But some days it is harder than others. My Papa has been having a hard year with his heart. And that he was sad that not too many people have been able to visit him. Where I live, in order to protect the elderly members a lot of the retirement homes can no longer have any visitors, and the residents that lived there, weren’t allowed to leave the retirement home. The Grandpa I knew was he was always moving and liked to keep myself busy. So for him not to be able to interact with everyone, was challenging on him.

My Dad had told me that it wasn’t looking too good for him. I was so sad, because I just kept on hoping that he would get better, so he could go back home. Because he was only allowed to be visited by his children, and grandchildren weren’t allowed to see him. We were still fortunate enough to have said our goodbyes via FaceTime with one of my uncles. I haven’t seen him in a year because of the Covid protocols. I was blessed to have visited my Grandparents the weekend before everything closed. During that visit I didn’t want to leave, because I had a feeling that it might have been the last time seeing him. I had a feeling because I knew it was only a matter of time before all of the retirement homes get placed under lockdown.

It’s been a difficult month, with trying to accept the loss of my Grandpa. It’s been challenging to accept that he is gone. The world feels so different without him here on Earth. He was a loving man. I just wished I got to make more memories with him. We missed out on a lot of memories during his final year, birthdays, BBQ’s, Christmas, and many visits. He lived a long, beautiful life. He got to be there for his family, and see his Grandchildren grow up. He even got to meet his Great Grandchildren. Not everyone gets that blessing. He was three months away for his 91st birthday.

Luckily we were able to have a funeral for him to honour the great man that he was. I feel so glad to have had you in my life for as long as I had. I’m almost 27, not too many of my friends have their Grandparents at that age, most of the people I knew from school had to deal with this during elementary days. I can’t even imagine to feel that burden.

Two weeks ago, my best friend, and one of my Gemini twins became my Guardian Angel.

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye to so hard?”-A.A. Minnie, Winnie the Pooh

I feel so fortunate that we were able to have so many years together, filled with so many wonderful memories. You were the best Grandpa anyone could have asked for.

I always get told that I look so much like you, and I love that I can see a resemblance of you in myself.

I thought that sitting on your lap was always the best seat in the house. It made me feel happy and safe being wrapped around your arms. We would tell each other stories, and we would make each other laugh all the time.

I remember that time you bought all of my back to school supplies, as well as my sister’s supplies, too. I was going to start grade one, and my sister was going to start the fourth grade. I wanted to have all of the fancy supplies that my sister was getting, like all of those cool binders, rulers, calculators, highlighters, pencil crayons, and so many other supplies that I did not need for the first grade. But I wanted to be just like my sister! But having all of these supplies made me want to do well in school. You inspired me to reach my goals. And I am still making sure that I reach my goals now.

I remember whenever I got sick, you would babysit me while my parents were at work. And other times, you would drive yourself and Grandma to our place, to drop off homemade soup. Grandma would make the best chicken noodle soup, and turkey soup. She would make us whatever she had on hand at the time. I always felt so blessed.

I remember the one time I was at your cottage, and I had lost my first tooth, since you told me that eating some celery would help it come out. Your idea totally worked! Although after I lost my tooth, I got all worried, because I didn’t think that the Tooth Fairy would be able to find me so far away from home. You had helped me calm down, when you explained that the Tooth Fairy will still be able to find me. She did indeed.

I remember when we were about to head out for the cottage, but Great Auntie (his sister-in-law) had called Grandma. Those two loved to talked to each other. While we waited for their conversation to end, you taught me how to tie my shoes. It made me so happy! I remember getting to tell Grandma all about it once she got off of the phone.

I always remember going to your house a lot of the time, because you and Grandma would have invited us over for roast beef, mashed potatoes (which are my favourite) carrots, and corn. And we would always end the night with us dancing together. You would place my feet on top of yours, and we would hold hands while we swayed across the floor in the foyer. We would always Dance it Out!

I was always at your house so much, it was basically a second home away from home. From the countless sleepovers, to our weekly dinners, I was always visiting you! We also watched Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and whatever sport game was on afterwards, whether it was football, or your favourite the New York Rangers, we always had a fun time.

I remember that one sleepover at your house, during the Easter long weekend. We had our family dinner on the Saturday night, and then I spent the night with my auntie, my uncle, and my two cousins after everyone else had left. The three of us woke up to an Easter Scavenger Hunt for chocolate eggs the next morning. You were helping me the most try to find the eggs! And all of those other weekend sleepovers at my auntie and uncle’s house. Especially since they lived so far away from us, so the road trips were also fun, too! Those were the best.

We also had so many sleepovers with my sister, which were always so much fun. Especially when it was during the winter time, you would drive us around the neighbourhood and look at all of the Christmas lights.

I loved how I was fortunate enough to celebrate our birthdays together since our birthdays were ten days apart. It was always a wonderful celebration. Our names were both written on the cake for a lot of our birthdays. That always made me smile.

Another dear memory of mine that I have of you, is that when I was in the hospital in the fifth grade, you and Grandma came to the hospital and visited me every day! I am always thankful for your company. And most days you came over with presents, to help me feel more comfortable.

Because of all of the cups of tea we have shared together, I have become obsessed with tea. And now I will always think of you whenever I have a cup of tea. You always made the best cup of tea ever! You showed me a love for puzzles like Sudoku, and word searches, bowling, and dressing up.

I will always remember you by looking so dapper. You always had your hair combed really nicely. You even kept a comb in your back pocket. You would even wear a suit and a jacket, despite us just having brunch together at a restaurant. I remember all of my uncles telling you that you didn’t have to wear a suit for a brunch. You would reply with that you wanted to. The only time I really saw you dress casually was when I saw you on Fridays for our weekly dinners, and whenever we went to the beach

Of course, I can go on and on with even more of the memories we have shared together, because you truly have given me a lifetime of memories, that I will cherish forever.

You passed down so much of your wisdom, and compassion onto me. You have taught me valuable lessons throughout my life. You showed me the importance of helping out others, and being kind to others. You taught me what it means to truly love someone, and how to be family-oriented.

Thank you for telling me all of these stories about my great aunties, and uncles, and great grandparents, and the stories about you and Grandma, and how you two met. I have always admired your love story with Grandma, it’s like a fairy tale. They were married for 68 years, and have been together for almost 71 years. Growing up I had wished that I would have an amazing love story like you two. And lucky for me, I met my Prince Charming on the day of your wedding anniversary. I took that as a sign from the universe!

Growing up you were always the first person I told good news to. You always believed in me. You have helped shape me into who I am as a person. You have inspired me, and strengthened me over the years.

Thank you for all that you have done for me, and for our family. You taught me that it is important to make compromises for our family. I am grateful that you took us to see my Great Auntie. We always played cards, and other games with my Great Auntie. She always would make us her delicious fudge. We visited her a lot with my Grandparents because she was lonely since her husband passed away not too long ago. She was always such a nice lady. She’s another Gemini that I hold dear to my heart!

I am going to miss you so much. But I know that as long as I keep you in my heart, you are never really gone. You will forever be a part of us. I know that I can be sad all I want to be, but I can also be happy for you that you can see all of your siblings, and all of the other amazing people that have passed on before you. Please tell Great Auntie, that I say hello, and that I miss her, too. I hope you are enjoying her homemade fudge and Shortbread cookies. I also hope that you are playing Jeopardy! with Alex Trebek.

I had a 30 second dance party on the night you had passed because that is how we finish! I love you more than words would be able to explain my love for you. Please continue to send me your support, and your love for me. And be sure to send me any pieces of advice and guidance whenever you may think I need any. You will be missed dearly. I love you with all of my heart. Until we meet again… xoxo

Since you always inspired me to chase after my dreams, and I will be honouring you by writing a book about you, and all of the memories we have shared. I will keep everyone posted with the writing. I will love to start getting back into writing again. Writing has always made me so happy.

I feel like this is what you have been sending me, that you would want me to continue to live my life, and to reach my goals. You would want me to be happy, and to remember all of the times we have shared.

Thank you for everything that you have ever done for me. It means so much!

For my followers, thank you so much for your love and patience during this time. I appreciate all of the likes and support that you have been giving me. It truly means the world to me.

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Day 154 of 192

Today marks week number 22 of me getting rid of my things. I am happy with my progress. Mostly because I know that the things I have passed on to give to my Grandma, is going to be helping so many people. My Grandma is friends with all of her neighbours. I am so happy that I am able to help others.

I remember her telling me that she gave away some of my sweaters to a girl who’s husband had passed away earlier this year, and she doesn’t have many friends. I’m glad that she was able to benefit from things I have outgrown.

I know that many of my American followers are getting to celebrate Thanksgiving later this week. I know it must be challenging with the pandemic happening, but even if you spent some time donating some items to other people. You would feel a lot of joy knowing that you brighten someone else’s day. It can be a new way to spread holiday cheer, in case you have to break some traditions because of the pandemic.

Today’s item that I am planning on donating is this grey sweater. It used to be one of my favourite sweaters before I outgrow it. But a few years ago, my friend gave me of his sweaters which is really identical to this one, which is now my favourite sweater.

Halloween Fun in the Time of Covid-19

Tomorrow is Halloween, which falls on a Blue Moon (which means that it’s the second full month in one month, it happens so rarely), and when I change my clocks forward, so we technically have an extra hour of Halloween. Yay!

I was tagged by the wonderful Helen, she is a lifestyle blogger, who loves to knit. I enjoy reading her blog, and I think you would, too. Be sure to check it out, here, https://crispyconfessions.com/

Rules

  • Thank the blogger who tagged you and link their post
  • Put the rules after an introduction, then answer the 13 questions
  • Tag 13 more bloggers to participate in the game
  • Use these same Halloween questions, or create new ones of your own
  1. What’s your favourite thing about October or Halloween?
    Where I live, October signifies Autumn, the change of colours of the leaves. It can get fairly chilly. I like those chilly, foggy nights, because I love the spookiness it has when I watch scary movies. Because I live in Canada, we celebrate our Thanksgiving, so I love eating turkey, and mashed potatoes, and anything pumpkin. It’s like my favourite holiday during my favourite season.
  2. How much do you spend on Halloween?
    Definitely not a lot. We don’t have any cool decorations, so I save a lot of money that way. We don’t really hand out candy, we just eat a bunch of candy ourselves. I love eating chocolate and candy. We’ve probably spent about $10, maybe $15 on snacks. We don’t dress up anything, so more money for chocolate.
  3. What do you think the average person spends on Halloween goodies and does it match what you spend?
    I think maybe the average person spends probably $50, between the costumes, candy and decorations. Maybe a bit more with accessories. And no, this doesn’t match what I would spend.
  4. Does social media influence how much you decorate for Halloween, causing you to spend more?
    No, not really. I’m not one to decorate for Halloween. I never have. I actually don’t decorate at all for any holiday, the most I do, would be for a birthday, if anything.
  5. Do you buy or create your Halloween costumes, and what was your favourite costume so far?
    I normally buy my costumes, or just buy an outfit. But my favourite costume was Alice and Wonderland, and my boyfriend was the Mad Hatter. I’ve had many people tell me that I like Mia Wasikowska, who played Alice in the 2010 remake. Photo is below.
  6. Share a trick you have played on someone at Halloween.
    I probably just snuck up on someone, and that’s probably much it.
  7. Do you have a favourite Halloween treat?
    I like Reese’s, Kit Kat and Wonderbars.
  8. What is something you can do with a pumpkin once Halloween is over?
    I throw mine away.
  9. Do you consider pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
    I used to think pumpkin was a vegetable, but surprisingly they are a fruit.
  10. What is the scariest food you’ve ever eaten?
    Probably sushi with my boyfriend during one of our dates.
  11. Do you have a favourite Halloween drink?
    Probably a latte, or a bottle of wine.
  12. People usually spend money on Halloween, but have you ever made money related to this holiday?
    No.
  13. Have you ever read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley or another frightening book?
    Yes, I have read it in school. I enjoy reading scary books.
My boyfriend and I as Alice and the Mad Hatter
The bottom of my dress with my stockings.
And this is what Mia Wasikowska looks like when she played Alice in the 2010 Tim Burton’s remake of Alice in Wonderland.

My Questions
I’m going to keep the questions the same.

My Nominees
potterheadaanya.in
https://halfmelody.wordpress.com/
https://chatswithchels.blog/
https://simplyadda.wordpress.com/
https://potbellybump.wordpress.com/
https://virginfoxy.wordpress.com/
https://pilgrimage.studio/
https://vanyawryter.com/
https://theclockworkgirl.wordpress.com/
https://wriveller.wordpress.com/
https://astronomicalpoet.com/
https://myartenthusiastics.wordpress.com/
https://biancaworld.wordpress.com/