Dear Dr Laura,
I attended a funeral today of my dear friend's father, who past away after 72 years of marriage at 99-years-old. He had an amazing life as a dentist and being a Jewish soldier during World War II; however, apparently his greatest accomplishment was being a grandpa to my friend's children after she divorced. The following letter was written by his grandson, who is currently a student at Oxford University, and couldn't be at the service, but wanted all to know the impact of his grandpa... - Alisa
Dear Grandpa,
I miss you so much. I was looking at a list of things to do for the week and halfway down it was...."Call Grandpa and Grandma." I always wanted to make sure you knew I was thinking about you no matter where I am in the world. The last time I spoke with Grandma, I made sure she told you that I loved you, and I could hear you say, "I love you" back.....I am happy those were the last words we ever spoke.
You are the sweetest person I have ever known and will probably ever know. You devoted your life to helping other people, from your service in the Army, your days as a dentist providing free dental care to those who couldn't afford it, and your days as a volunteer at Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute. Your compassion towards the less fortunate and genuine kindness towards other people were your finest attributes and are those that I most admired.
I will miss your easy going disposition. I remember when you would watch me when mom would go out of town. You would let me stay home from school and eat whatever I wanted. I am sure my teachers didn't like it, but I loved those days.
I will miss sneaking you another chocolate so Grandma wouldn't catch you, bringing you something sweet from the Coffee Bean or buying you a little present with a picture of a monkey on it.
You lived a full and happy life and had people who cared about you more than anything in the world, up until your final days. I wish I could have been there during your last week; I would have tried to cheer you up and make you feel better and assure you that everything was going to be okay.
I will forever miss you. I hope to make you proud, Grandpa; not only of my accomplishments, but more importantly of the man I hope to become one day. You laid the groundwork for me and I will follow closely in your steps. You always told me to take care of my mom and sister and I promise you I will do just that.
I love you, Grandpa, and if you see the Russian Dancer, be sure to tell her I say hello.
Love,
R.
