Dear Editor,
I have been procrastinating about writing this letter, but I feel now is the appropriate time. Recently, my grandfather, Sidney McCloskey, passed away at the age of 90 after a battle with dementia. I was very blessed to have all of my grandparents growing up. I know this is not a blessing that everyone gets, and I am so thankful for the time I had with each of my grandparents.
Ahead of his funeral in January, my father and those planning the funeral asked if I wanted to give the eulogy. I am a high school teacher, so one would think that speaking in a church in front of people would be an easy task. Feeling a lot of emotions and also feeling nervous, I told my father that I did not feel comfortable giving the eulogy. I now regret that decision, as my grandfather definitely deserved it.
Since I did not get to give my eulogy at the funeral, I thought I would write to you and tell you about the great person my grandfather, Pappy, was. My Pappy was the most kindhearted and generous person you’d ever meet. He would go above and beyond for anyone, including his children and especially his grandchildren. He was like this until the very end.
I remember when I was completing my Mississippi scrapbook in the fourth grade, he went above and beyond to help me get it done. While other students were researching the internet for information for their Mississippi scrapbook, he had other plans for me. He took me everywhere so that I could gain the experience in person and gather the facts and pictures for my scrapbook. He took us to Vicksburg, Natchez, Port Gibson, and several other destinations in Mississippi. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was not just making a scrapbook—I was making lifelong memories with my grandparents.
I think all grandparents spoil their grandchildren in some form or another, and Pappy was no exception. He always made sure I had enough money in high school and college, slipping me a ten-dollar bill for running errands and completing tasks around the house. Even at the age of 29, he still asked me if I had enough money when going out for the night or going on a vacation. I would try to tell him no and sometimes slip the money back into his wallet when he wasn’t looking, but he always insisted. This was the kind of person my Pappy was. He was like this with everyone.
I could not have asked for a better grandfather. As I am saddened by the loss of my grandfather and my last surviving grandparent, I think back and reflect on all the memories we made over the years and on just how great of a person he truly was.
Sincerely,
Nathan McCloskey
