The day I was born was one of the happiest days of my grandfather’s life. Every year his voice singing “Happy Birthday” opera style, was a cherished part of my celebrating. After 92 years of singing, on that day we could no longer hear his voice.

Dear Guido,

Let us hear you sing one more time, come laugh with us.

Your smile is surely what we will miss most…

Promise to smile for us soon, if only this time as an angel in our dreams.

We shall not cry, no.
We won’t shed a tear.

We are among the fortunate ones who got to share our life with someone as special as you are.

Instead we will learn from your example; and dance, sing, laugh and love…
Throughout the good, and we will do it even more during the hardest times.

We will tear up the dance floor when we are almost 90 and remain active.
You understood how sitting for too long was bad and moving was what kept you young.

Forever young
Cracking jokes and smiling,
Till you took your last breath.

A smile which did in fact have the power to light up a room.

We will pick roses in the garden for our wives and stay light hearted about life,
befriending everyone.
Take our grandchildren on our laps, letting them know they are forever loved.

We promise not to cry Guido,
Instead we will raise a glass
In honour of this prince who shared our life with us, who will be so dearly missed.

We will celebrate every moment,
Even the ones when our hearts are breaking.

We celebrate you Guido,
We toast to you!

Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
Sing for the angels now, Papa!

How lucky they are to have you…

Love,

your granddaughter

F.