How does a grandson deal with the loss of a grandfather?
Ball Boy was not yet 2 when this occurred just one year ago, so he was much less able to understand this tragedy than his older brother. Spiderman, however, had just turned 4 and at a stage where he could begin to grasp the idea of the loss of a loved one. His parents and his other Nana were so good in helping him through what must have seemed to him a very chaotic and scary time. Suddenly, there were lots of people around their house and around his Nana’s, many who they had never seen before. People were sad. People were crying. People seemed so serious. And with all the activity going on - no Papa Ron around to give them a hug. You just knew that Spiderman felt something was not right. We all just gave them both all the love we could muster.
The boys were the light of Papa Ron’s life. You could see the joy in his eyes and voice when he talked about being with them and what they had done together. He often related the nice things others said about the boys when they were out together. He was so proud of them. They loved to play at the park, go the pumpkin farm searching for the perfect pumpkin, read stories and ride the train at the mall. Both Spiderman and Ball Boy loved to watch videos of trains on the computer with Papa Ron. They also watched musical videos - Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul and Mary, being one of their favorites. But then again, they simply love dragons. There are so many wonderful pictures of Spiderman and Ball Boy with Papa Ron. This one with both of them cuddled in Papa Ron’s arms is one of my favorites. Their love for each other was evident and ever lasting.
A year later pictures of Papa Ron are all around. He is always there as a reminder of what love is. Spiderman says he is in heaven. Ball Boy will come to understand. We all know that Papa Ron looks down on them every day - still very proud of the young boys they have come to be.
Spiderman and Ball Boy were lucky to have 2 Papas as they grew from babies into toddlers. We all wish they would have had the chance to get to know and experience so much more with Papa Ron.
