After Dave’s Grandpa died, we wanted to do something to remember them at the same time; something they would both find unique and would want to do themselves. So Jan and I decided to go ballooning in upstate NY, not too far from where Rob lives. Our plan was to sprinkle some of Dave’s ashes at the same time we scattered rose petals from some of Dad’s funeral flowers and Mom’s garden.
Dave and his Grandpa had a great relationship. There was no doubt that Dave respected him for all he had accomplished in his life—his war record with all the stories of his experiences as a POW during WWII, his loyal and colorful service with the BC Police Dept., but most importantly, that he was the pillar of strength in our family. He could always count on Grandpa for his opinion–whether he wanted it to not!
Dave could talk to him about anything. Whether it was serious or comical, they connected. They spent many hours playing chess; just enjoying each other’s company and challenging each other’s wit. Dave would check in from all over the world just to catch up on the news. The only time I ever saw our pillar of strength cry was when we told him that Dave died. He couldn’t understand why it wasn’t him. It was heartbreaking. It still is.
Ballooning is a beautiful surreal feeling. You soar upward, but without feeling any movement. One minute you’re on the ground and the next moment everything below is miniaturized. I commented to Jan that it felt as I would imagine dying would feel–suddenly you are floating high above the earth in absolute silence. It was then we sprinkled Dave’s ashes and Grandpa’s rose petals at the same time and watched as they fluttered to the treetops below.
We miss them both!!
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