My grandfather died and I can't be happy about my trip.

[paintnolish]

Go. Have a good time. He wouldn't want you to be sad. We splurged and went to the Poly when I was little, shortly after my Gma died. I was in K, so I didn't really know what was going on, but it was a nice time with my family. It was good for my mom to get away, too.

 

[kwlsh]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[liltoot]

I'm very sorry for your loss. My husband and I planned a Disney vacation for December 2006. Two weeks before we were to leave my grandma died at almost 94 years of age. We still went and it was a good trip. It helped to be in a place that makes me happy. I know my grandma would have been upset at the thought of our canceling. What could we do? Sit home and be sad? We were sad no matter where we were. I know she would have said life is short, enjoy everything you can. Go on your trip and be thankful for all the wonderful memories that you have of your grandpa. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[amycishere]

I know what you are going through. I had planned my 21st Birthday trip since about March of last year. In April, my Grandfather was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. He underwent surgery to take out his ailing Kidney, and his Ureter. Then, he underwent Chemo. He seemed to be responding to treatments, but only for a little bit. He was in and out of the Hospital a lot. Then the Dr. told us that his first round of Chemo wasn't working. They could try another bout of Chemo, if my Grandfather wanted. My Grandfather did, he still believed that he would pull out of it. No such luck.

After Christmas, everything went down hill. He got progressively worse, and worse. January was the hardest. In a matter of 3 days, his Health declined so rapidly. It was unbelievable. My Mom's a Registered Nurse, and she herself took care of him for his final days. She said that in all her years of Nursing, she had never seen anyone decline that rapidly healthwise. My 21st Birthday was on January 26th, and I was scheduled to leave for WDW on the 22nd. My Father is in the Military, and he was scheduled to go to Iraq. On Jauary 8th, the General pulled him back. The General said he needed to be home with my Grandfather (It was my Dad's Dad.) When my Dad told my Grandfather that he wasn't leaving, my Grandfather broke down crying, clasped his hands, and prayed to God saying 'Thank you for not letting my Son go over there.' When my Dad told my Grandfather that he had to leave - My Grandfather said, I might Die, but I refuse to Die until you get back home safely.

I think he broke down crying when my Dad told him that he wasn't leaving because he knew it was the end for him. One of my Grandfather's Friends in Church went up to him and said 'We need to get together one of these days,' and my Grandma told me that my Grandfather said 'I wish we could, but I know I won't ever be seeing you again after today.' He was right. My Grandfather passed away on January 13th. My family had to get a Visa for my Grandma's Sister to come here for the Funeral, because my Grandfather said that was what he wanted.

Well ... We left for our Disney trip, and my Dad came with my Mom and I. He wasn't supposed to go because he was supposed to be over in Iraq. My Dad said he didn't particularly want to go, but halfway through the trip, he told me 'I'm glad I came.'

Now, a girl from my Dad's unit had to come home on Emergency Leave because her mother wasn't responding well to Chemo Treatments. She wouldn't be back to Iraq. Guess who her replacement is?

You guessed it - My Dad. He got an E-Mail last Wednesday to pack his things, and that he would be on the first flight out to Iraq as soon as his orders were completed, and processed. He's leaving on Wednesday at 3PM.

~ My prayers go out to you and yours. I know what it's like in this situation, trust me, but that doesn't make it any less hard. My thoughts, prayers, and sincere condolences go out to your family in your time of need. ~

Bless you!!

Thank you ALL for sharing your stories and words. It means more than you will ever know!

 

[Shmily1]

My Grandmother lived about an hour from WDW so we went there often when I was little (waaaaay before Epcot or the other parks!). She was my mom's mom. My mom died unexpectedly about 5 years ago and my grandma about 6 months later. Everytime I go to WDW, I think of them and how much fun I had visiting Grandma and WDW with my mom. I go there often and I always think "See where I am? I'm right where you started me coming to!!!" I tell my family that it's their fault I'm a Disnye-addict!!! The best part is, my mom and grandmother would ROFL to see me skipping down Main Street at 40 just like I did when I was little!!!!

So you skip down Main Street too and say "See, I came here to have fun-- because you would want me to!!!" Hugs to you!!!

 

[amycishere]

Honey its sounds like you were very lucky and had a wonderful relationship with your Grandfather. Not many people have that. He would not want you to miss out on life being sad for him. If anything I bet he was the kind of guy who enjoyed watching you light up with joy. So I think the best way to honor him is to enjoy WDW to the fullest because you know your Grandfather isn't really gone he is the voce that whispers I love you right before you fall asleep. He is loving you and proud of you always. Love like his is like the wind you can't see it but you always feel it. Bless you

You remind me so much of him. God bless YOU. THANK YOU!

 

[DisneyWorldOct08]

I am really sorry for your loss.

I agree with the others, he would want you to go and have fun in his memory.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I too had a very difficult vacation this past year. My dad was diagnosed with cancer that was inoperable and basically untreatable. But at his insistance we went on and continued planning our trip hoping against all odds that we'd be able to make it. My dad passed on Nov. 26 and we had his Celebration of Life service on Dec. 2, we left for Disney on the 7th. I left with such a heavy heart and I really had a difficult time trying to enjoy myself. I kept thinking about my mom and how I had left her alone. But I called her everyday and my DDs talked to her, we saw the day we got home, but I did have a very heavy heart!!! I am sooooo sorry, I hope it will all work for you.

 

[christa112]

I am very sorry to hear that. I lost my grandfather a little over 2 yrs ago and just reading your post brings tears to eyes. I have only been to his grave twice, because I just can't bring myself to go. You just have to remember all the great things about him to get you through.