One of those days where I question things.

[valis2]

My friend's grandfather passed away Wednesday evening. The funeral was today, but I was at a show I had planned for months. I'm sad that I couldn't have gone. I am glad that I was home, though, and was able to attend a viewing and, even more importantly, that I had a moment to say good-bye to him.

I wish I could have heard the service. All of his grandchildren spoke, I've heard, and it was full of tears, and I'm really sorry that I wasn't there for my friend.

His grandfather really was a character cut whole cloth from the larger than life men who lived through the second World War. He was always full of jokes and good humor, smart as a whip, and I always got the idea that there was steel in him. He told all sorts of stories, was a wonderful cook, and was always the life of the room.

Y'know, in my family, stories are the coin of the realm. We all tell anecdote after anecdote, funny or sad or stupid, and it just goes round and round. I'm used to telling these little stories. They can't compare, of course, to someone who has lived so fully, and I really always felt awkward telling any of them in front of him and his family. Thankfully, I would tell a shortened version, and then he would pick some thread out of it, turn and look at me with a grin and a bit of a squint, and start telling a much better one. Heh.

One of the fears I've had since starting these trips is that something will happen, I'll be needed, and I'll be far away and unable to get back. I really was petrified that something would happen while I was gone and on the road for those five weeks. It would have been extremely difficult to get back quickly.

I mean, not that I was needed, except to support my friend, but still, it is one of the giant drawbacks of living life like this.

This year is the busiest yet, and I am starting to get frayed around the edges, I think.

A bit stream-of-consciousness, but there you go.

Comments

[zakkati.livejournal.com]

If you had to get back in a hurry, you'd manage somehow, dear valis.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Grandpa, but I'm glad that he didn't have to suffer for too long. Just think of all those old mates he'll have caught up with by now!

The World War generation are slipping away one by one; soon there will be no-one left to tell their tales if we don't start listening to them whilst we still can.

((hugs))

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Just think of all those old mates he'll have caught up with by now!

Hee! Totally. I can just see him up there, with his wine and cigarettes, regaling them anew.

The World War generation are slipping away one by one; soon there will be no-one left to tell their tales if we don't start listening to them whilst we still can.

It's sad, isn't it? I was thinking just this morning about that war, and how it affected nearly everyone on the planet, in ways big and small. After Hiroshima and Nagasaki I don't think we could ever have that kind of a war again, but still, there is something so terrifying in the possibility, and the stories of the survivors only become more important as time marches on.

*hugs*

[ziasudra.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean by not being there when you're needed. I have family all over the world. I just got back from visiting my 95-year-old grandma in HK, and I have not idea if I'll see her again if anything happens :\

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh, that would be such a worry! My friend has many relatives in Israel, and she goes through the same thing.

*hugs*

[privatemaladict.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Thanks for sharing.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Thanks for commenting! And I love the icon. I've been totally laughing about the Malfois entries.

[privatemaladict.livejournal.com]

The icon comes from one of those communities set up for discussion of MDF. I can find the link for you, if you want.

[jen-deben.livejournal.com]

After that road trip, I don't think you can help but be frayed at the edges, and the death of someone you knew and liked always makes you wonder about your own life a little. You'll bounce back from it all - and I agree with Zakkati: if you need to get home in a hurry, you manage it. Living a life on the road isn't much different that someone who lives a settled life, but far away from their family. If an emergency happens, it's always a scramble, but you do your best.

[valis2.livejournal.com]

When I leave, I always try to figure out beforehand how I can get back quickly. I'm always worried about it. I'd like to stay home and just eBay for the rest of my life, honestly, but it just isn't practical, financially. :(

I've only been home a week and a half or so, and I'm leaving again on Monday, and I just feel like...whew! So much running around.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

Hugs to you and your friend. Her grandfather sounds like a great person. That is beautiful that all the grandkids spoke. What a great way to have a funeral!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Oh, thanks. I do wish I could have seen the funeral!

[todayiamadaisy]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend's grandfather. Everything always seems to happen at once, doesn't it? *hugs*

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks. I really appreciate it. It's been a sad week, that's for certain.

[catsintheattic.livejournal.com]

This year is the busiest yet, and I am starting to get frayed around the edges, I think.

Take good care of yourself, dear. Being busy is one thing, but breaking down is another. Please do make sure that you get some rest in between your trips, to recharge your batteries. Especially after emotionally draining events like the death of your friend's grandfather.

Hugs and catsmooches!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks! I appreciate the kind thoughts. *hugs* *lionsmooches*