I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and happy happy new year (that's probably the first time someone's wished you a doubly happy new year, isn't it?). For my part, I can say that the long vacation I went on had a mixture of pleasant and terrible moments. I guess you could say it was a vacation of firsts filled with great and depressing experiences. I only am telling you this because it did not get off to a great start.
On December 23rd, the day my family left for Florida, the greatest man I ever knew, my great grandfather, died. He had become ill that week. We were going to visit him. We had planned this visit for a while. And of course, I found out he passed away that morning when my aunt posted an RIP message on facebook. He was 93, and lived a long fulfilling life. He was the most gentle, sweetest, caring man I have ever known. Even in his later years, he was mentally and physically together. For goodness sakes, he was not only in a bowling league until he was 91, but considered one of the more valuable players!
The last time I saw him was at my high school graduation party. I am so fortunate that I knew him for 18 long years. Not many people can say they knew a great grandparent throughout their childhood, let alone all of their grandparents. Understanding I was allowed a glimpse into my family's history through this amazing man provides some comfort but I still miss him. My great grandpa gave me hope that somewhere in this densely populated world there are genuine human beings who value the beauty of all existence. I hope that is a message I will be able to carry through into my adult life. He always wanted us to have fun and not take life so seriously pouring an unbounded humor into his conversations. I've lost other great grandparents before and while their deaths deeply saddened me, I've never felt such pain over death before. Not only will I imitate my great grandfather's demeanor but the fragile emotions I feel over his death will guide me through my future performing endeavors. Now, I understand the raw pain that swims inside the body when a loved one is lost. R.I.P. Great Grandpa, I love and miss you.
I am shaking writing this and I can feel my eyes begin to water. I think I will resume the other tales of my trip for my next entry, and trust me there is plenty to tell. Don't worry, while the vacation began to a less than great start (actually less than fine start) it had some awesome moments, including visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Gambling in the Bahamas, pretending I was 21, and convincing my younger cousins that I am not pregnant. Sorry if this entry was depressing and dark, didn't intend it to be but that's the way the universe works.
