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Jo xx



Monday 6 June 2011

My Wonderful Grandad

I was very lucky to have both sets of Grandparents when I was growing up, three of them I have lost, the only one left is my Nan, my Mum's Mum and she's 91!!  Today is the anniversary of my beloved Grandad's death (on my Dads side), he was only 63 when he died suddenly 28 years ago to the day.  I absolutely adored him, and he gave me an unconditional love, we were so close.  I was heartbroken and still am all these years later.


He was born in Sydney, Australia on April the 13th 1920.  He moved with his parents (who I remember) to the UK when he was only a child.  He had unfortunately inherited a degenerative eye disease and his sight diminished throughout his life until he was totally blind just before his death.  He never let this stand in his way though and he was always a real force to be reckoned with!!  He was very feisty and very opinionated when it came to Politics and had the most wonderful dry sense of humour.  He was the sort of man who never let his disability stand in the way of anything he wanted to do even at a time when opportunities were not always open to disabled people.  He became a Blind Persons Resettlement Officer, helping blind and partially sighted people into work.  He was a well educated man and had originally trained as an Engineer.  I remember him being very strict on how to use the Queens English properly!!  I dread to think of what he would say if he heard me swear!! I called him 'Pooh Grandad' , this I will explain!!  My Nans name was Winifred and when I was a child I made the connection between her name and Winnie The Pooh, so my Grandparents became Pooh Nan and Grandad!! They always signed themselves as this in cards.


I remember that awful phone call 28 years ago to say that my beloved Grandad had collapsed...he unfortunately did not survive.  He and my Nan had moved house two weeks before and he had gone for a drink with an old neighbour.  He collapsed and died as they walked back home.
He really was the most wonderful influence on my life and had he lived I often wonder how my life would have turned out...perhaps some of the decisions I made would have been better ones.  I am also sorry that he never got to meet my wonderful hubby and our son Louis who incidentally was born on the 16th of April, three days after my Grandads birthday so they share the same birth sign, he also has my Grandads name as his middle name.  My brother named his son after my Grandad which I was delighted about.
I was very lucky to know my Grandad for 14 years but his loss left a terrible scar on my life, and one that I know will never heal, I have learned to live with the pain of losing him, but June the 6th is always a very sad day for me.
William Stanley Nicholson 13th April 1920 - 6th June 1983.

12 comments:

  1. Jo, what a beautiful heartfelt tribute to your Grandad Pooh! You are blessed to have had him in your life and he obviously had a huge impact on you growing up.

    Even with all the pain you carry with you, you also have joyful memories and we both know the memories are jewels that cannot ever be bought, even by the richest man!

    Sending you a hug and a salute to the memory of your grandad, an amazing Gent!

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  2. He sounds a great character, Jo - it's lovely that you still have such vivid memories of him; obviously he made a big impact on you. How sad he died so young. Take care, Abby x

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  3. Hi Jo, what a lovely post in memory of your Grandad Pooh, who must of had such a huge influence on you. It is so very hard to lose the people we love, he still walks with you, in all the happy memories xx
    Hugs x

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  4. I have to agree with everyone`s comments-what a wonderful heartfelt tribute-I loved what fading grace said....he still walks with you, what a comforting image,such lovely memories are a gift.

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  5. Oh Jo, this post is so moving and I really understand how you feel. Happy memories of loved ones stay with you forever. Love Abby xx

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  6. It is so obvious how much you loved him - he was an inspiration to you & I'm sure he is still looking down on you with pride.

    You were lucky to grow up with your grandparents - I lived a very long way away from mine so only saw them on a few occassions during my childhood.

    Jayne
    x

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  7. What a lovely post....bought back memories of my grandad. I was very close to my grandad and was lucky to have spent my childhood years close by.

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  8. Memories of loved ones can be bittersweet and though you have so much to celebrate for having such a special relationship with your beloved grandpa.. it must be just as painful to live without his company. Take comfort in the fact that he lives on in your life through your precious memories of him.
    A difficult day for you.. but also one to celebrate Pooh Grandpa's memory.

    Michele xx

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  9. This is why I want to go back to live in England - to have this kind of relationship with my grandchildren...

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  10. What a lovely, and loving tribute Hesta. This is how our loved ones achieve immortality, by living on through our memories of them, as well as our genes through their descendants. Consider yourself blessed to have such cherished moments to remember.Cx

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  11. What a beautiful tribute he would be so proud to read this and of you i am sure. He sounded like a wonderful person i love the pet name you gave him bless you. I did the same with my nan's one i called big nan and the other i called little nan ;-) no need to explain why ;-) Memories like these are wonderful to keep hold of cherish them always. hugs dee x

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Hi
Many thanks to all of you who leave such lovely messages on my Blog, they are very much appreciated. I will try and reply to you all.
Jo xx