Grandpa Stein, my last living grandparent passed away this morning. He was 91 years old.
It’s hard to believe this man I’ve always known to be a part of my world is no longer a physical part of it. It’s hard to believe that I’ll never hear his voice again or see his bright blue eyes light up when we gather together as a family. It’s hard to believe I’ll never see or hear him laugh or have him ask about the countless details of our lives. It’s hard to believe my Grandpa is gone.
My Grandpa was a man that made me laugh and feel unbelievably special. He taught me many things, but mostly he taught me about the value of family and of tradition. He taught me that I was never too cool to skip through the mall with him, even when I was the big and important age of 13. He’d squeeze my hand so tight I thought it might break as we skipped throughout the mall, letting me know with each squeeze how much he treasured this time together. He taught me about caring about others’ lives by constantly asking about mine. He taught me about encouraging, supporting, and believing in others even when they don’t believe in themselves and about how good it makes others feel to light up in their presence by always being my biggest cheerleader. He taught me about beauty by giving me my Mother and best friend, and by showing unyielding generosity, care, joy, and love throughout every stage of my life.
I’ll never forget riding in his convertible, waving frantically at everyone throughout our neighborhood, as he honked the horn, feeling like the biggest movie star on earth. I’ll never forget seeing myself on TV as a young girl at Christmas from a home video he’d made and watching him chuckle over how excited I got. I’ll never forget driving to his house for Christmas every year and having the time of my life. I will never forget swimming in the pool with him, the plaid red vest he wore every Christmas, or his love of family and tradition. I will never forget how special he made me feel. I’ll never forget his love of jazz or Cheez-its. I’ll never forget the way he touched each of our lives or the way he loved his family. I’ll never forget how he’d light up when he looked at his great grandchildren. I will never forget the way he helped me when I was starting out in New York and had nothing. I will never forget his great laugh, his way of calling my Mom “darlin”, or his asking me if I asked for his permission to get sick when I had a cold. I will never forget him giving me my favorite doll as a young girl, or the bracelet that I still wear today. I will never forget the way he’d try to intimidate my boyfriends by informing them he was a member of the Mafia with a totally straight face, or his wonderful presence on our wedding day. I will never forget the way he’d tell me I was “looking good” over the phone. I’ll never forget his ability to make me and anyone laugh. I will never forget you, Grandpa, and all that you were. I love you more than you know and am so grateful and proud to have called you my Grandpa. I will enjoy telling our future children about you and the man that you were and how you lit up looking at your grandchildren - that I’m sure you are smiling now as you look down upon us.
I miss you more than I can possibly express, Grandpa, and I will forever keep you close to my heart.
May you always be filled with the peace, joy and love you brought to our lives and every life you’ve touched.
With all my love, gratitude, and admiration now and always,
Maggie
This is the last photograph I took of my Grandfather and I love that he is lit up, just like I will always remember him.
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