I’ve been sort of composing a big fancy blog post in my head all week, that would try to sum up 2008 and look ahead to 2009 with great goals and profound things.
But it just isn’t going to happen. At least not yet.
One of the major reasons for this right now is that my Grampa died yesterday. He was 89, and went peacefully with his daughters around him. He and my grandma had lived in Arizona for the past 15 years or so, and I have visited them about once a year since then. My mom had started going about every 6 months, and we were lucky enough to see them both in pretty good health just this past November.
This wasn’t a huge surprise. He was 89 years old and not in the best of health. He had fallen ill this past month and my mom had gone out last week to help take care of things and be with them and her sisters. We have been dogsitting my mom’s dog while she’s been out in Arizona with the family, and I was happy to have the little furball here to hug yesterday, since I couldn’t be with my mom, anyway.
Charles McClintock, know to us as Grampa Tic-Toc (as kids we couldn’t quite get the pronunciation of “McClintock” right, so we settled on Tic-Toc and there it stayed…), was from Pittsfield, MA. He worked at G.E. for many many years and also fought in World War II. He had three fabulous daughters with his lovely wife Alice, whom they raised in a new prefab house in the bustling, growing, post-war industrial town of Pittsfield, MA. These daughters all grew up to have families of their own, in turn bringing to the family 9 more children of their own. That’s most of what I know. And I also know that my grampa will be missed. By us, his grandchildren, by his children and of course by his wife of more than 60 years, my Grandma, who he has lovingly cared for for the past ten years. I don’t want to get too mushy here, but I have to be human and honest here or else what’s the point? He was one of the people who loved me the most in this world. Who was always kind to me, always had a smile for me. We loved you, Gramp. I hope you have found your Peace.
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January 7, 2009 at 12:08 pm
goodbadandugly2
Sorry for your loss; my Grandma died this last October. i was thankful for the time together…
January 7, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Alexis
My grandmother died right before Thanksgiving, and although it wasn’t entirely a surprise–she was 90–I was surprised anyway. It’s one thing to think about someone passing away, and very different when they are actually gone forever. I love the pictures you posted, and I am so sorry for your loss.
January 7, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Theresa May-O'brien
I could see his smiling face even without the photos!!
How wonderful 89 years old!…!yes we will all miss grandpa tick- tock
xox Aunt Theresa
January 8, 2009 at 8:55 am
Lynn
Laurie,
I grew up in Pittsfield and was wondering if you were related to Barb McClintock.
My condolences on the loss of your grandfather. Cherish your memories which I am sure you have lots of.
Lynn
January 8, 2009 at 5:58 pm
gretchen
Hi Laurie,
Just wanted to send hugs and love your way after reading about the loss of your dear grandfather- it’s never easy no matter how one tries to ‘rationalize’ the passing of our elderly loved ones. May your memories bring you sweet comfort. love, gretchen (your squam cabinmate)
January 10, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Stephanie
Laur — just catching up on your blog… very sad to read your Grandpa passed away… so sorry for your loss, friend. My Mom is in Germany right now because her mother feel ill suddenly, and it looks like she will pass on soon as well. She too has lived a long time — 80 years.
Love to you and John and Hap.
xxooxox