Today could be an emotionally challenging day.
I'm very conscious of the fact that today is April 1. There are two significant memories connected to this day for me. Both had to do with my paternal grandparents. None of these memories have anything to do with April fool's day.
April 1 was my paternal grandfather's birthday. I find it ironic that his birthday should fall on April fool's day because the man had absolutely no sense of humour. If there were a "Grumpy Old Men" reality show, he could have had a starring role.
In 1988 I introduced my paternal grandmother to her first grandchild - my daughter Lora. We had traveled to Germany, specifically so that my grandparents could see our first child. April 1, 1988 fell on Good Friday. We got dressed in our Sunday best and took my grandmother to a cemetery in Hanover where we went to the Peters' family plot. At that time my grandfather and his brother Willi were the only ones buried there. (The population has increased since then). Afterwards we went back to my aunt's apartment for lunch, at the conclusion of which my grandmother asked me to lead us in a communion service. Serving my grandmother, Berta Peters, communion on that April 1, the day my grandfather would have turned 89 and only one and a half months after he died, is a memory that I'll always cherish. It was also the last time I saw my grandmother before she died.
Today, April 1, 2012 will be another significant day. We are having a farewell dinner for Lora. She is leaving for South Africa tomorrow and will be away for at least five months. She's scheduled to return home at the end of August, but has warned me that she might stay longer depending on how things turn out.We'll see what happens.
Another April 1 to remember.
"The first of April is the day we remember
what we are the other 364 days of the year."
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Wow! You have had a lot of powerful moments with April 1st. Just hang in there. You are making friends on here who can be the support system you need if you need it.
ReplyDeleteHello Horst.
ReplyDeleteLora is in for a treat, no doubt about it. You, my girl, will be coming to visit my country, not really like the rest of Africa, well not the Western Cape anyway, kinda first world. Worcester is just around the corner from Cape Town, globally speaking that is, about an hour away.
Dad, don't be sad, everything is cool. Lora will be experiencing life in a way that will influence the rest of her adult years, many I pray. i'll keep in contact through our blogs while she is here. Blessings to all of you, Geoff.
A lovely post. Memories are so special. I hope your daughter has a fantastic time in her new venture in South Africa.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I appreciate how hard it is to have loved ones so far away. For me, April 1 is a day that I try to fool someone, I am not very good at it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the memories you shared. Looking forward to hearing more About South Africa in the future.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post - South Africa sounds very exciting! Good luck on the A-Z Challenge - it's going to be a great month!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your memories. I have struggling today as the anniversary of my mom's death is coming up. The fact that you got to serve your grandmother communion was awesome. I will be back to read more from you. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI can easily see why April is such a special month to you! Always wonderful to meet another brother or sister in Christ. ~ BArbara
ReplyDeleteLife & Faith in Caneyhead
Very heart warming post. I feel for you about your grandmother. The last time I got to see my grandma before she passed away was a month before she died. She passed away last November and the pain from losing her is still fresh.
ReplyDeleteKonstanz Silverbow
nothoughts2small.blogspot.com
A to Z Co-host
www.a-to-zchallenge.com
What a wonderful post! I, too, have a daughter born in 1988. The first time she went travelling alone (to Ireland), I had a bit of a meltdown, but I left her in God's hands (the best place to be!) Thanks for sharing your special memories of your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping by my blog today!
Sounds like a day will that will be around in your mind for a long time. I wish your daughter safe travels and safe time in South Africa. What a wonderful experience for her, though!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z