March 13, 2013

Remembering Lolo Joseph

where Lolo was laid to rest

Instead of doing my personal, whatever floats my boat post on Thursday this week, I've decided to move it up to today in honor of my grandfather's fifth death anniversary. Fifth. Wow. I can hardly believe that it's actually been five whole years since my grandfather lost his battle with cancer and passed away. While I'm certainly glad that he's not in pain anymore, and that he's finally catching a break up there in heaven, I miss him dearly and I know that everyone who knew him did too. 

He was a good man, strong, intelligent, sociable and very, very kind. He set about to make a difference in the world by doing his best to serve other people all his life, and he set a shining example for all of us on how to do so, even in the tiniest of ways. I admire his discipline, how he managed to set goals for himself and accomplish them all. I admire his kindness, how he managed to make every single person feel special and significant and cared for. I admire his leadership, how he managed to rally people together to make things happen. I admire his spirit, how he managed to stay active and smiling and encouraging even until the very end. I admire his commitment, to his family, his friends, and the place we lived. He was such a special person, and the world is sorely missing something because of his loss.

I miss you Lolo. I wish you could see me now, living here in New York City and enjoying it. I wish you could have gotten to know Macky better, to see that he's the perfect person for me to marry and to be at our wedding. I wish you were here. But I know that you're up there somewhere, and that you're smiling down on all of us - and that you'll always be here, as long as you're in our hearts. I love you Lolo.

12 Comments:

  1. This is so beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss but at least he's not in pain anymore. You'll see him again one day, and he'll be watching over you on your wedding day. He's lucky to have such a sweet, caring, and gorgeous granddaughter inside and out.

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    1. Thanks twin! I've always believed that too, and I'm sure happy that he's no longer suffering as he did in his last few years.

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  2. Big, big hug Alyssa! I'm glad that you had such a wonderful grandfather and I know he'd be happy to see how you're honoring him today!

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    1. Thanks C. I wanted to pay tribute to him because he had such an important impact on my life, on who I am today even. He was a great man.

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  3. That was so incredibly beautiful. The way you executed your feelings so magnificently..... it gave me goosebumps. Reading about what you said about your grandfather I have no doubt in my mind that he was a great man and that hes watching over you everyday. I wish you all the best and I hope you have an amazing wedding! :) *sends hugs*

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    1. Thanks Kaina! I'm believing that he'll be there with us in spirit on my wedding day.

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  4. It's really lovely to take the time to think of all the good things you remember about someone you loved and lost, Alexa, and I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts to get you through this day xox

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    1. Thanks Mandee! I really appreciate it, and am just glad to be able to pay tribute to him.

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  5. This is so beautiful, Alexa. Thank you for sharing part of you with us as your readers!

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    1. Thank you Lisa! I always feel nervous about doing stuff like this, but I'm always overwhelmed by the support and love from friends like you <3

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  6. He sounds lovely, and you ARE lovely. Bless both of you.

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    1. He was the best. I can't imagine how different my life would've been without him!

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