Knitting Kris: A Time For Everything

As much as this is a knitting blog, there are times when events in my life compel me to write a little more about my private life.
I am the oldest (certainly not the best looking or the smartest), grandchild on both sides of my family. Up until two years ago, I was blessed to have all four of my grandparents in my life. A couple of weeks ago, my Papa passed away. He had been in ill health for quite some time, but had been able to be at home with my Nana until the last six weeks kept him in the hospital and rehab settings.
Losing Papa has been hard for the family. I used to live with my Papa and Nana while my parents were in college. I'd stay the week at their house, and spend the weekends with my parents. While this was difficult for my parents, especially my mother, it was a huge sacrifice for both my parents and grandparents. I was actually the lucky one who benefitted from it all. I received so much love and care from both my parents and grandparents during that time and throughout my life.
My grandparents were so supportive of my family. They attended concerts, athletic events, church activities. We spent most Friday nights and Sunday noon times at their house for dinner. We took vacations together in their motor home.
I can credit so many things in my life to my Papa specifically. He is the one who taught me how to ice-skate. He taught me how to play badminton in the back yard, and could still beat me well into his 50's, clearly a feat against a seventeen year old (PS-we are a bit competitive in our family). Papa loved gardening, and always raised and stored many fruits of his labor every year. He taught and shared in my canning process many years.
One of my favorite memories is hearing my Papa sing. He had a beautiful tenor voice, and he sang for the church choir and weddings. As I grew older and more accomplished on the piano, I was able to accompany him on the piano when he sang. I have many fond memories of our performances together. In older years, we shared many goofy gifts at Christmas time. It was always our mission to find funny gag gifts for each other each year.
While I know in my mind that Papa enjoyed a life well lived and loved, we miss him so much. My heart hurts especially for my Nana who was his wife for over 65 years! What a great legacy he has left our family!