Family death

[DEATHMASTER]

My grandpa (mother's dad) died just a few hours ago. He was relatively old, pushing 90s. The phone rang about 3 times at around 2 am and I (being the only person awake) didn't realize it was from India and there was no message left and I didn't recognize the number. I picked it up that third time and it was my uncle (mom's brother) who told me what had happened. I went to my parents room and stood at the door a few minutes debating whether I should wake them up at this hour but I decided to tell them since that's what I would want. I've been told that I resemble the old man's characteristics but I've only met him twice (infancy and 1997). He was a pretty straight forward person and I realize how people might've seen us to be alike, we're both somewhat asocial and only say what needs to be said, though maybe that was just him being old. Hell I hardly know what to think, my mom is devastated. Best thing I can do is comfort her I suppose.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

You guys going there for a funeral?

 

[DEATHMASTER]

It's been about 20 minutes since I told them. I'll probably know more later in the day (it's 3:30 am here).

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

Well the only good thing about death is that it often creates a reunion and gathering for the rest of the family. I know for mine that's when I last saw everyone together. If he was old and passed away of natural causes he's probably looking down happy at that fact. I'd take solace in that. Good luck with everything.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Thanks.

 

[KiplingsCat]

I'm sorry. My mum's father died recently too. I hope you can enjoy being with your family over the next couple of weeks; RakuraiTenjin makes a good point about that. My grandfather would probably have greatly enjoyed his own funeral; it was the first time in years that their house had been that full.

I found that the best thing I could do for my mother was just be around all the time and help out with little things that needed doing. Sorry again.

 

[Raziaar]

You guys going there for a funeral?

Seinfeld has taught us no, don't do that.



But seriously, sorry to hear Deathmaster. Though he died old so really I don't think there's anything sad. It's not a tragic death, and I would be happy that my family members live that long.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Sorry to hear that. Gran on dad's side passed away recently after many years of health complications (we were surprised she held out this long). Only grandparent I have left now is granddad on mum's side, and he's a money-grubbing asshole who doesn't give a shit about us, so hooray.

But yeah, take a little time to let it sink in, there's no need to deal with it all at once. There's not really any way you're "supposed" to react to this sort of news, so just handle it in whatever way seems natural to you.

 

[15357]

I'm sorry to hear that.

I've never had a relative die, so I don't know what to say. But yeah, my condolences.

 

[Stigmata]

I'm sorry dude, it's really tough to lose a relative . I lost my maternal grandmother just over a month ago, and my paternal grandfather in November. All that's left is my grandma whom I call every week, and my mom who hasn't contacted me in two months. Not even for the funeral. So that was awesome of her.

Anyway. I hope you and your family are there for each other. That's all that matters right now.

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

I'm sorry to hear that.

I've never had a relative die, so I don't know what to say. But yeah, my condolences.

You must have one big ass extended family. Seriously. And I'm not being an ass and including ancestors. How do you not have any relatives you know that died?

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Close family has gathered today. Not exactly sure of the details but it sounds like he may have had some minor discomfort the night before but still got to sleep fine and simply didn't wake up. 91 years old, everyone is sad but they do understand that he was very fortunate to not only live long but to go in relative peace. It's good to know you guys are around, we're pretty much an extended extended family here.

 

[MiccyNarc]

I'm sorry to hear it, I lost my last remaining grandparent (grandpa) this year, in the middle of finals week right before graduation... on the plus side, I got to see my whole family who otherwise I'd never have gotten to see for at least another 6 months, and meet my now 6 month old niece.

 

[15357]

You must have one big ass extended family. Seriously. And I'm not being an ass and including ancestors. How do you not have any relatives you know that died?

I have 4 uncles, 12 cousins, 2 sets of grandparents and 3 great-aunts, etc. etc. that I know of. I'm not sure the words for all my relatives ("times removed") but my family tree is kinda complicated (mostly on my mother's side, anyway).

But all the dead "close" relatives all died before I was 3.

 

[morgs]

Very sorry for your loss, like numbers I've never lost a relative so I can't say I know what it's like, but I hope you and your family get through it alright.

 

[Ennui]

Sorry to hear that DEATHMASTER

My grandfather died earlier this year, not tremendously unexpected because of his age and failing health but still sad nevertheless (my mom's parents have lived in the same city as us since I was a kid so I've seen them quite a lot although he was still the grandparent I was least close to). Hope your grandmother deals with it well, that's been the most painful part of it for me because she's also pretty ancient and is alone most of the time except for a couple of hours a day when her housekeeper comes by.

Was my first grandparent to go too, although I was pretty well equipped to deal with the loss since as most of you guys probably remember my mother died a few years ago.

Death sucks - but when someone lives for 90 years like your grandfather did, it's something to be celebrated, not mourned.