My grandfather died the other day.
A man I called "papa"-
his breath was stolen away.
A man of few words but
many smiles when you earned them.
In the 18 years I knew him
I only heard "I love you" sometimes.
Sometimes was enough though
because what he said he meant
He was father to my mom and aunt
when they had none.
He was my grandfather
and now he's gone.

I loved him, though I said it so few times.
I wish I had said it more,
but I think he knew in his mind.

My mom and aunt called him superman,
and that he was to everyone.
He was always ready to lend a hand,
especially when it came to fixing cars.

He loved his wife, my Nana.
I never heard him say it, but I saw it.
The way he teased her and
glances he stole even after 45 years
said it all in the end.

I lost my Papa the other day,
but he's in heaven now
so it's okay.
He was loved and he will be missed,
but he's free of pain now
so we can only rejoice.

See you later, Papa.
                -Carolyne