Monday, September 6, 2010

My grandpa…Norman Victor Bill

My grandpa passed away yesterday. I don’t know what to say to help you know just how great a man he was. He was my grandpa. He’d greet me each visit with a “hi-hi”, a huge hug and a smile. He would talk in Swedish with huge smiles knowing I didn’t understand a thing he was saying. A long time ago Mike did an interview with grandpa and made a recording of him counting and speaking a little bit. I don’t know where it is right now but I am going to find it this week. He so loved Mike. He was always so proud of everything Mike did and he’d make sure everyone else knew too. He was a man that loved kids, kids of any size really. My daycare kids loved him as much as he them. When we’d do our fire trucks at school he’d help grandma watch my little ones for an hour or two. The last wee one he got to spoil was Hannah and I remember coming back from school with the fire trucks and both him and Hannah were sound asleep in his chair. Hannah would stop in to say hi to “pop-pop” when we’d go visit. Friday I took all my daycare kids to say good-bye to grandpa. They didn’t know it was a final good-bye but it’s something they’ll remember if they want too.

Before we left for camping this weekend, I sat with grandpa and he held my hand. He kept reaching out for me and he’d squeeze. He couldn’t speak much anymore but a visit early in the week had him looking at me and telling me he was hanging in there. He had beautiful eyes, eyes that always knew what was up. His hugs were strong and loving.

I’m going to really miss grandpa. Did you know, of course you couldn’t I didn’t tell you yet, that him and grandma were married for over 70 years. Can you just imagine being married that long? I hope that one day my grandson/granddaughter can say that about Jim and I. Can you imagine being married that long and now have to face life alone? I feel so sorry for grandma.

Grandpa leaves behind a wife, 2 sons and daughter-in-laws, 5 grand children, 6 great grandkids and a life time of friends that who all loved him for always.

Thursday is grandpa’s funeral at his favorite church and then on Friday we are taking him quite a ways to be buried with his family.

I so loved my grandpa and I am so glad that I know that he is in heaven with all his family waiting for all of us one day to be reunited. I will miss grandpa terrible.

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NORMAN VICTOR BILL, 97 years old and will never ever be forgotten.

Tach Scata hof – Many thanks in Swedish…….he said this all the time.

11 comments:

Grizzly Bear said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

I'm so sorry.. sending my condolences and prayers!

And thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I loved reading all your comments and I feeling your enthusiasm! Amazing that you could be so supportive when you are going through such a huge loss. You must be an amazing person!

~Margene

Manzanita said...

Julie,
Your Grandfather was such a kind and caring man. He bestowed all those wonderful traits to you and your children. It is a privilige and a gift to live to 97. Your
Grandmother may be lonely but at her age, she understands the reason why we finally have to let go. My sympathy to you and your family.
Mazanita

Mr.s Gokey said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your memories of him with keep him alive for the next generations to come.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

((HUGS)) to you... My grandma lived till she was 96...Your grandfather lived a long life and I am sure u have a lot of memories- hold onto that, pass them down to your kids.

Priscilla said...

97 wonderful years! I do apologize for your loss but I am happy you had him around for that long. *hugs*

Elizabeth. said...

I am so sorry to hear about your family's loss. What a beautiful life...

xoxox

e.

Mom to the Fourth Power said...

Hey Julie!
I just presented you with an award! Come pick it up at my blog if you want! :)
~Margene
http://believingitspossible.blogspot.com/

The Single Nester said...
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The Single Nester said...
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The Single Nester said...

Having suffered the loss of my brother almost 5 months ago, I know it is not an easy thing. Blessings to you.