A Life Well Lived

My grandfather died just before the new millennium. He had been battling with cancer for some time. Around 28 December 1999 death seemed most likely but we thought he would at least make it to the millennium. Unfortunately, he died the very next morning after struggling for breath. My grandfather lived a long life he died well in his eighties. He was an amiable soul; hardworking, zealous, gentle, humorous. His most notable feature is that he was a devout man. I spent so much of my leisurely time with him particularly during the holidays.

It is during these moments that he would narrate stories from the Bible from the story of Adam and Eve right up to the book of Revelations. In addition, he would tell us about life in the olden days and when my cousins were around about how our parents had grown up. We soon became aware of their moments as youngsters more concretely. I did not know that much loved Uncle Jim who is now strictly vegetarian, was mad about biltong and got striked at least thrice by nearby villagers, for reaping where he had not sown.

Anyway, the entire lot all my aunties and uncles had their fair share of mischief. My granddad was a good man anyone would have been proud and lucky to have a father like him. During his last few days after he had been taken ill my grandfather longed to spend his last days surrounded by his family, receiving prayers and words of comfort. When he was eventually hospitalised he only had one song he loved listening to- ‘Time of My Life’. He had lived life to the best of his capacity and he encouraged us to do likewise before joining him in the next world. May his beloved soul rest in eternal peace!.