I asked for a sign.. ..the normal feather would have sufficed. You've sent me the whole damn bird? What am I supposed to do with a cockerel?
Oh, you have made my day.
Love you Dindad
xxxxx

Life moves on, the world keeps turning? For some, maybe that's true, not for me. 11 years may have passed but it could just as easily be 11 days or 30 years, it makes no difference. Without you to share the highs & lows, and every thing in between, life took on an unexpected turn, an empty present & future.
Is it even normal for a granddaughter to hold her grandfather in such high esteem? Perhaps, given your last 10 years here and living in each others pockets. I don't know of many grandchild/parent relationship like ours, which is probably why I can't let you go.
I could never imagine a life without you in it. Not many get to know, let alone feel the love from their grandparents, as I did with you.. bittersweet.
I don't think you would be at all happy with the state of the world today, Dindad. Bloody wars, cost-of-living crisis, trans-movements (Old Brown's Cow to that malarkey) everywhere you turn. Children attacking other children, children 'teaching' teachers how to do their job. The world has gone stark raving mad!
We left the pandemic behind us & dived headfirst into a world full of lunatics running the asylum. We could have had a good laugh about it, it's not the same talking to your photo.
On a serious note, you now have our Queen with you; nope, not talking about 'The Queen' (although she's with you somewhere now), but Our Queen.. Marma. I hope that you are together again, and to be honest, that's the only thing that makes either of you leaving, a little more bearable.
I was one hell of a lucky girl to have such wonderful grandparents and nothing and no one can ever take away the memories that we shared. Everything else is just bricks & mortar, right? We can't take anything with us, all we can do is create moments, moments that last a lifetime, and you, Marma and I certainly did that.
Oh, before I go, J passed his driving test last week! Ohh Dindad, he has worked so hard this last year, despite everything, and I could not be more proud of the young man that he is becoming. I know that if you were here, you would have been one of the 1st to congratulate him on the mountains that he's overcome. I've always been proud of him, what mother isn't proud of her children? But, he has blown me away with every new challenge he's faced. That little baby who you rocked to sleep has your determination about him now. You can bend us but, you'll never break us?
A sign would be nice from either of you.. ..you know, just to let me know that Marma at least arrived?! Whenever you're ready. In you're own time. Preferably before I have to come and find out for myself!
Hey, it's almost like you are here, me talking away & only getting the occasional nod from you.. ..like old times? You'd have gotten up & gone off to the garage for some peace & quiet long before now.
Just because I don't write as often, it doesn't mean that I am moving on or forgetting about you. That could never happen. I carry you with me wherever I go & talk to you every day, you just refuse to answer me. If you are listening now, please make this cold go away?!

Love and miss you both, so very much, your Em xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Birthday my wonderful 'Dindad'.
I hope you like the primrose? I'm missing you loads and loads and love you more than words can say.
All my love and more always
Your Zoë xxxxxx

My lovely, lovely Dindad, miss you so much and love you more than words can say....always love your Zoë xxxxxxxxxx

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful Grandad in the world! I love you and miss you so much, but know you are always there, in my heart. Your little plot is lit up tonight in my garden and I'd just like to say Thank you for being my Grandad, my lovely, special 'Dindad.' Love you always and forever, your Zoë xxxxxxxxx

So until now I didn't know this site existed and were we not on lockdown I would be at the cemetery today, to put the spring flowers on your little plot. So I'm going to make you a plot in the garden at home with all the arrangements I would normally use. It seems like yesterday you left us and I know, like Emma said the pain doesn't get any easier. It gets harder to drive by your old house or even go to Kenilworth sometimes, but then I feel you reassuringly telling me it's fine, you're good and its ok to be upset about some wonderful memories that come into my head.
I feel today, although upset, that I am one of the most incredibly lucky people on this planet; I had the most wonderful Grandparents in the world. I'd like to 'thank you' for being my Grandad, for loving me unconditionally, encouraging me, helping me, but most importantly showing me that being kind and caring in this world does pay off. That is a trait I believe was unequivocally demonstrated by you and Marma and I'm so very grateful for that! To see the beauty when its often hidden in all facets of life is a gift, one which you & Marma had passed on to me and one that I will cherish always.
Maybe Mum and Emma didn't tell me about this site so I wouldn't put one of my endless stories on, but as you loved them so much I'm going to anyway!!
Oscar and I have been learning about WW2, the blitz and all the atrocities and it has made me think again how lucky i was to have you two, what you both went through and the aftermath of that war and no-one could have blamed either of you if you had both lost your faith in the human spirit. You still gave out warmth, love and hope that we are all worthy of love.
I love that you gave us a strong sense of morals, values and virtues to live by, the ones which you lived by. When Emma and I needed it, you picked up the role of father as well as grandfather with no question and I know now how lucky I am as I couldn't have wished for a more loving 'father' to protect us.
I miss you being here so much as I always have, I miss telling you my stories and writing the letters and of course receiving those letters with your beautifully unique handwriting. I miss being able to show you the beautiful artist Anja has become and the great golfer Oscar is and of course I miss you being next to Marma in the chair.... I know you're with her today and you'll be holding her hand while this awful lockdown persists and mum can't visit. Don't let go of that delicate little hand that yours fits round "just like a glove"! As if you ever would, keep her safe for us all, watch the birds with her and let her know how loved she is too.
It's taken all day to write this, you know me! I shall be back for your birthday. Thank you again for everything, you were and still are in my heart the world's loveliest man there was/is. I'm going out to look up when the starts are out to give you the biggest hug in the world. Love and miss you more than words can say...until June 12th.
Your Zoë (loving and very grateful, granddaughter) xxxxxxxxx

8 years have now passed. Doesn't seem possible. We all miss you so much but your unsaid words and phrases live on within us all. Love you loads and loads xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10, Park Hill, was my 'safe haven',
A 'Garden of Eden', against the clutches of Satan!
I don't particularly remember playing games, with Mum, as a child,
However, I firmly recall the 'lessons' in Scrabble, card games and bed-time stories.
I used to love our walks with Ross, holding the shopping basket in his mouth,
And later, being told how much I reminded everyone of you, as I always walked 'correctly'!
You (and Marma), taught me so many invaluable life lessons, that I still carry with me today, and that I shall always be eternally grateful for.
My one and only wish is that I could have been brave enough to 'speak out', but, I was too scared of losing you... ... I will regret this until my dying day.
6 long years have now passed, Dindad, and TIME DOES NOT HEAL, I feel the pain as strongly now as I did then. Yes, life goes on, I now don't have much of one, but I only have myself to blame for that... ...for running from the constant haunting's and reminders of OUR wonderful life together and your barbaric death.
I will NEVER stop missing and LOVING YOU xxxxx

Ohhhhh Dindad........... ........ 5 years ago, I was running around filling 10 green bottles with 95 white roses, as if in mockery, my rose tree fell over in the night!

It was supposed to be YOU walking Zoe and I down THAT aisle NOT the other way round, Dindad! I should NEVER have walked you down the aisle..... ....I shouldn't have done lots of things... ... They always tell us to make sure our clothes are flame resistant, yet they had padded you out in stuff under your clothes like a Guy Fawkes, and knowing that I was carrying a firework on my shoulders, hurt all the more.

You NEVER said what you truly felt... ...so, does that mean you didn't do it your way or you did? You only told me during those final days, Dindad.... ....Why? Why, did you leave it so long? I LOVED (and still do) you so much, YOU were the ONLY man in my life that I ever could trust NOT to hurt me. YOU made me feel safe, secure and LOVED!! I needed you as much as you needed me.

I have been talking to you for the last 3 weeks, constantly, I don't know if you've been listening... ...probably too busy catching up with Eileen. However, I now know why you saved me last July.... ....YOU never did forgive me for getting your driving licence taken off you, did you? I wish it wasn't me, Dindad, I knew how much it meant to you, but, I couldn't stand by and do nothing... ... Your driving was still the same as in the 1970's and now we had too many youngsters and crazy drivers on the road. Your health WAS deteriorating.. ....maybe, they should have just asked you to take a retest, instead of such an abrupt, harsh way of an end to your greatest pleasure in life - driving. I could not say to you that I was "sorry" enough, whilst you were alive.. ... and, even though you said it was "ok", it wasn't, and that's what all this is about... .... Karma, my back operations, the mess that I am in now, is all payback for what I did. I am truly, deeply sorry, Dindad, I don't know what else I can say or do to make it up to you....... .......Please, please, I understand now, and I have had enough, so don't save me next time... ....I want to be with you.. ...the one MAN that ever meant ANYTHING to me.. MY wonderful (GRAND)FATHER.... LOVE & MISS YOU SO MUCH xxxxxxx

Dearest Dindad,
I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to visit you; truth is, this year has been harder than any of the preceding ones' and I really don't know why, maybe it is because it's 5 years and in my head 5 years is an anniversary! Maybe, I know that 5 years, also separated you and Marma and I am so scared that you will call her to join you this year.... ....She looks so frail now Dindad, but please don't, not yet, I know it's selfish of me... ...I just need her here a little while longer. I need to know that I can phone her and she will be there for me as she always has been (and you always were), with her 'pearls of wisdom'. I know that she misses you deeply and yearns to join you also... ...leave her a while longer, just a 'tiddlybit' please?
Mum is tired, I know, and could use a break... ...a break from living I think :) .. ... She is now the glue keeping this family together - as you know a hard role for any one to take on.
It's so funny that I go to your grave and yet I know damn well, that you are not there. You are with Marma, at her house...... ........every time I walk in there, I come out with your expressions, without realising that I am even doing it! I can smell you there, feel you, I just can't hear you or see you or touch you :( - the very things that I long to do...... .......just one more time Dindad, I will never get over losing you. I will always miss you and shall keep on loving you until we meet again, your Angel xxxxxxxxxxx

Happy 100th Birthday Dad. Time passes but you live on within our memories and this would have been your very special day. Love and miss you loads and loads xxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy 100th Birthday Dear Dindad, Happy Birthday To You. All my love as ever, Your Angel
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

4 years ago, you had spent the last night of your life in your own bed, I still find this so hard to believe. You never returned to your wonderful home, that was so much more than bricks and mortar. Everything about your house had your seal on it, your touch, your eye to detail. It breaks my heart how time moves on, but I can't... ... I want to be back in THAT house, playing Scrabble with you, playing cards with you, enjoying my half a Rich Tea with my morning cup of tea in bed, helping you. More than anything though, I WANT you. I still feel so guilty Dindad, I'm sorry, that when you needed me most, I let you down. Love you always xxxxxxx

Where are you?? I really miss you & your wise words!! Please, please, please show me what I have to do??!! I love you as always xxxxxxx

You would have been 99 today
But instead you went away
No more pain or sorrow
and no more tmorrow.
Happy Birthday Dad
RIP. xxxx

Dearest Dindad,
If you were still with us, today we would have had a huge party!
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday my fantastic Grandfather,
Happy Birthday to you....
... Happy 99!
I hope that wherever you are, you enjoy it.
Always and forever in my broken heart.
Love and miss you forever and ever xxxxxxxxxx

Dearest Dindad, I can't see through the tears :( . Time isn't a great healer!! If anything, it get's harder with every passing year. There hasn't been 1 single day, since you left, that I haven't thought of you. Three years of pain and mental torture. Will it ever end? I miss you now as much (if not more), than 3rd April 2012!!! Today is Good Friday!! Hardly!! I will always love you, as will everyone else. I only hope that you are waiting for me (as always)!! Rest now Dindad, my fantastic, talented and amazing Grandfather xxxxx

Another year has passed and the pain is still as great as ever. I miss you so much although I hear you instructing me in your head. You are loved as much as anyone can. RIP my wonderful father. xxxxxx

Happy Birthday my wonderful, dearest Grandfather. Love and miss you always and forever xxxxx

Happy Birthday Dad. You would have been 98 years old. How quickly these times come around and I still miss you as much as ever. We will raise a glass tonight to you wherever you are. RIP my fantastic father.
Lots of love, hugs and kisses xxxxxxxxxx

My dearest Dindad, this year you would have been 98 just 2 years off your goal, but NO, you had to go. What Mum says is so true, you were always so loved by everyone who knew you and still are. I miss all your quirky ways too and comments eg "no, no, no, yes" and "that wasn't a fish, it was a whale!!" I miss your laugh, I miss everything about you, but not for too much longer now. You were the BEST. RIP my angel xxxx

So hard to believe 2 years have passed since you left us all. It is still very hard seeing your empty place at the table, your empty chair, you, standing at the sink washing up. I know it was your time to leave; you had suffered more then enough. I hope you know you are loved as much now as when you were with us and that you always will be with us in our everyday thoughts. Love and miss you so very very much Dad. RIP. xxxxxxxxxx

Happy Father's Day Dindad, you were always more than a Grandfather to me and in the latter years, you became the FATHER that I needed, forever in my heart (as that - my father).
Love and miss you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Birthday Dad. There is still a great big empty space in our lives and it is so hard without you, our best mentor. I hope you have found Skye and that you are together. Love and miss you. xxxxx

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dearest Dindad,
Happy Birthday to you .....
Gone but not forgotten - ever.
Love and miss you from the bottom of my heart xxxxx

Although you are no longer with us in body your spirit lives on through us. Your words spill from our mouths; your movements are there in our actions and your life goes on through us. You were and still are the most fantastic Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. Your love will never leave us and our love for you will go on until eternity. Missed but never forgotten. xxx

This month has been so hard remembering the traumatic events of your passing a year ago. You mean't so much to everyone who knew you and were loved by all (and still are). I wish we could turn back time, but unfortunately we can't. Warwick Hospital has blood on their hands, and I will never forgive them for your death. We all know that you are now free of pain but that doesn't lessen ours.