I've been absent from this blog for about two weeks now, which I hope is an absence that I won't repeat. Shortly after my last blog I received sad news from home, and wasn't quite sure how to handle it. I didn't feel like I could write about my life in Copenhagen and my travels while competely ignoring a significant event from home. I left for Berlin for a week and got back a couple nights ago, and now feel I've had time to digest, can write, then continue with blogging.
Less than two weeks ago I heard from my mom that my grandfather had passed away. It was very hard being so far away. All of my family flew to michigan for the funeral, and had I been in the States there is no doubt that I would have been there as well. I felt very, very far away. I wish I could have been there to say goodbye, and to be with my parents and other family during this time. At first I was extremely down and sad, but now after talking with my mom and hearing about the service, I know that he was suffering and was ready to go. I hope he is peaceful now.
I called my grandfather 'Papa Ray' (and I am named after him --> Julie Ray) and I'm not really sure how that started. He was never grandpa or gramps, but Papa Ray. I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked considering I grew up in San Diego and he lived in Michigan with most of the rest of my Dad's side of the family. But I do remember going out to visit the family on numerous occasions. I always remember him being happy and smiling. I remember his eyes and his laugh, how the two would work together when he was amused. I hadn't seen Papa Ray for quiet some time...the last time may have been the summer between Junior High and High School.
I'm not going to write much more. I think I just needed to acknowledge that something happened before i could go on here. It means something to me even if it's just something as insignificant and trivial as a blog entry. I write this as much for me to digest my experiences as to share them with you, my friends and family.
Thanks you for the memories, Papa Ray.
Love,
Julie Ray
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1 comment:
Julie! I hate that the easiest way to contact you is via comment, but I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been missing your entries - I eat them up whenever you write, and I'm so sorry to hear that there's such a sad reason behind your absence. You do sound very together with regard to perspective - and it is important to keep in mind how valuable this experience is for you, even when you feel so far from home. I love you lots - and can't wait to hear in person about your time out there. I miss you!
(I'll be in SD from 12/14-12/31, we're bound to overlap, right?) :]
Love,
Lauren
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