My darling grandfather passed away over the holidays and it's taken me a while to process the emotions that come with losing a loved one. In the midst of missing him, I often find myself thinking about what an amazing life he had. I always loved his tales of sailing ships in the Navy, traveling around South America or moving to Puerto Rico with my grandmother. When I close my eyes and remember my grandfather I think of dark roast coffee, his dusty library full of treasured tomes and I hear him playing Las Mañanitas on his old harmonica. It got me thinking about how I want my future grandchildren to remember me. What adventures and stories will I be able to share with them?
So for my resolution this year, in honor of my grandfather, I am pledging to fill my year {and life} with wonder. For me, it means planning more adventures, drinking good wine, taking risks, dancing with my husband in our living room, worrying less and finding joy in the little things. I think this quote from Ernest Hemingway says it all...
It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end
Friends, here's to an incredible journey and making every single day count. I hope 2012 brings all of you amazing things.
*Thank you to the lovely Kathryn Butler for leaving the the above message on the chalkboard wall in my kitchen. It's going to stay there for a very long time.
thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. Those are wonderful photos of him though.
ReplyDeleteOh Brie, I'm so sorry. I cannot imagine losing someone so close to me. I know you're going to fill not only this year with wonder but your whole life. Your kids and grandkids are going to love hearing all of your wonderful stories--I know I already do!
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sorry. What a handsome man he was! You have good looking genes in your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful post. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead as well.
ReplyDeletexo Nadia
What an incredible tribute to your grandfather, who was obviously nothing short of amazing. A year of wonder seems like the perfect way to honor him.
ReplyDeletei'm sorry for the passing of your grandfather. He looks like he was a wonderful man. I think pledging your year to remember him and fill it with wonder is the best way to honor him and his life
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post and what a lovely tribute to your grandfather! I can tell from the photos that he was wonderfully interesting man and has clearly passed this on to you! I lost my grandfather just over a year ago and I can still relate to the mix of emotions that you are feeling. Stay strong, he is with you. <3
ReplyDeletexo,
Sarah
you are a gem & i heart you lots. adventure summer 2012, here we come :)
ReplyDeleteomg, i LOVE this post. i think i need to write this on my chalkboard in the kitchen as a reminder. i'm sorry for your loss...i lost my grandfather in 06 and it was really tough, but reminding yourself of what an amazing life he had and using him as an inspiration in your life is the best way to honor him.
ReplyDeleteso sorry for your loss! beautiful images and even prettier quote. wishing you peace in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this post. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather, but so glad you've decided to honour his memory in such a lovely way! When my dad died it was heartbreaking, so I understand how you're feeling, and I'm sure your grandfather would have been proud of you for doing this!
ReplyDeleteAlso, love that quote. Ernest Hemingway is one of my absolute favourites!