while but they hold your heart forever"
Well, where to start...I am not very eloquent with words and am not a great writer so I wish I could give everyone an idea of how wonderful my Grandpa was. For those who do not know... my Grandpa Witzig passed away on Friday August 14th at the age of 84. He had cancer in the bone which metastasized to his lungs. He was receiving hospice care at home and that is where he died peacefully, at 3:15 in the morning, with family surrounding him. He lead a very full life up until his passing.
Yesterday, was Grandpa's funeral and it was a very beautiful service. The burial is what sticks out most in my mind and I will never forget it. It was only for immediate family so it wasn't a large group of people. When we arrived at his site, servicemen were waiting in line for us. My Grandpa was a Navy Corpsman during WWII so he was buried in the Veterans garden at Forest Hills Cemetery in Duluth. It is such a picturesque and peaceful place. A few words were said and my Grandpa was then given the 21 gun salute. What an amazing thing to witness. You could not help but feel proud of my Grandpa at that moment. Taps then began to play from afar....what a song full of sorrow but beautiful at the same time....My dad, the oldest son, was given the honor of placing Grandpa's ashes in the vault. I'm sure it was the hardest thing he will ever have to do but he did it with such grace. We then sang Amazing Grace. Afterward, my sisters, parents and I, cried and embraced in a big bear hug and my dad said, "it's all good." I said, "it's going to be OK." We will miss him so much but know that he is at peace in a better place looking down upon us and smiling that smile of his I have seen so many times.
Grandpa was a smart, smart man with a witty sense of humor. (Being a Witzig must have something to do with that!) He had such a warm smile and kind spirit. As it was said at his funeral by someone, he had a way of making everyone feel special, even if he had only known you even a short time. He certainly made me feel special! He never judged and I don't think I ever heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He was just a truly amazing, wonderful person. I miss him dearly. I will always remember him fondly. Love you Grandpa. As it was quoted at his funeral, "This isn't goodbye, it is only see you later..."
Grandpa's obituary: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/obituary/id/128054/
Day is Done (or Taps)
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.
Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, goodnight.
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