No. 15, Bloom

As many who are close to me know, my maternal grandfather, who I refer to as my Popi, passed away this past Thursday, June 24, 2010.  While his health had been deteriorating for quite some time, such does not change the fact that his death was not only untimely but also painful.  Words cannot even begin to express how much my Popi means to me and, furthermore, how grateful I am for all that he has done for me in my life.  He personifies the ideal man-- the perfect representation of all that is good and beautiful in the world.  As a survivor of the Holocaust, it would be an understatement to say that he suffered the greatest atrocity known to mankind.  Yet more importantly than surviving such a horror, my Popi continued to live, to strive for greatness, to achieve his dreams and a better life.  He is an inspiration to us all.

This was my first true experience with death.  I have never had a family member pass away at an age when I could properly comprehend as well as feel the burden and sorrow of the situation.  It is almost surreal, yet in the worst way possible.  I have yet to fully accept the situation; it is so hard to believe that he is physically gone.  However, perhaps his absence is so difficult to believe because of his strong presence in my heart and soul, because of the fond memories I carry of the times we had spent together.  Such recollections make him immortal, not only for me but also for my entire family who collectively share the weight of his passing.  Popi will always be missed, eternally remembered, forever cherished.

Here is the eulogy I shared yesterday morning at his funeral:

Thank you all so much for being here today for me, my family, and my Popi.


Marcel Proust, a French novelist, once wrote: "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."  My Popi was one of these charming gardeners, who with his hands and heart shaped our world and our souls in which he lives eternally. I can say without hesitation that I am grateful not only for all that Popi has ever done for me but also for being so blessed to have him as a part of my life.


My Popi was and will always be a source of happiness; his kindness, laughter, and generosity humbly reflected the mensch he exemplified throughout his life. He often reminded me that I should strive for success, but, most importantly, that I should be happy with and passionate for what I do, who I love, and who I am.


For me, my Popi is a flawless representation of mental and emotional strength; after all that he had suffered and experienced, he chose to rise above and embodied grace, warmth, and sagacity-- all qualities that I feel have been passed on to me by example.


So let us all be grateful to my Popi and always remember him for the happiness he has inspired within us all and for making our lives thrive and bloom into brilliant gardens of love, spirit, and radiance.

Popi

September 22, 1922 - June 24, 2010