2008 for better or for worse

I have included some photos of our year to date to remind us what has happened. It has been a big year with good and some bad moments.

To living life with no regrets

Goodbye Pa
Originally uploaded by b boy.

Hello, Grayson again - I think I need to blog something.

What I have learned today....

I really do look good in French couture.
A lot of people in my family had leaky eyes today.
I will sit still for a period of time - provided cookies are given at regular intervals.
White pieces of paper with writing on them don't taste very nice (mummy edit - order of service)

But, seriously. Today mummy and daddy told me we were going to say goodbye to Pa for the last time. They said he's not going to be around to chase after me when I want to run around the yard anymore. And he can't do that hearing aid trick with the funny noise or do round and round the gardens with one step, two step - TICKLE me under there (usually my armpit). The last time I saw him, mummy and I fixed his sore arm. (I thought we did an excellent job) Obviously it wasn't too sore as we ran around the back yard after and he told me perhaps it wasn't the best idea to jump in the big haystack as it would go everywhere and Uncle Ron would have to clean it up.

Today I sat down, listened to someone do lots of talking and then there was this funny music with everyone standing up and singing. This was a little different to the music mummy and daddy usually listen to...
I could see a picture of Pa - and he looked very happy.
Unlike the rest of the family around me.
After the talking and singing finished we went into another room where there was lots of cake. I quickly fueled up and then took Grandma Diana for a walk. Daddy joined us soon after.

Eventually we went home. Mummy opened a bottle of "Billy Cart" champagne for Pa (mummy edit - aka Billy) and the family raised their glasses "To living life with no regrets"

I think something really important happened today, but I'm not sure I really understand.
But if that is the last time I get to see Pa, then that's sad.

I'm going to miss him.

Grayson

Vale William Brash Malcolm 26/09/1922 - 13/12/2008

William Brash Malcolm, more simply known as Pa, died suddenly today. Grayson and I only saw him 5 days ago. Pa chased G around the back yard and looked the best he has looked for quite a while, thus today's news came as quite a shock. No more "round and round the gardens", no more triple kisses goodbye and no more hearing people tell him to slow down.

Pa always said he had no regrets about his life, and felt he had lived it to its fullest. Every Saturday night, he and Nan would go out to their local club, share a bottle of wine, play some poker machines and end up coming home later than their children (or grandchildren for that matter). Every day was a day to be lived and enjoyed.

His attitude towards life is one of the best memories I will have of him. I hope that I can live life a bit more by his rules, and pass this on to Grayson as he gets older.

Godspeed Pa. We love you.