Getting that phone call was one of the most awful moments of my life. It happened in the midst of 2020. Right in the middle of the pandemic.

“Your grandad has died suddenly, I’m so sorry. So sorry.”

I hung up the phone, stunned. How? There was no warning.

One day he was there, the next day he wasn’t.

My grandad was the kindest and happiest man I’ve ever known. As a kid, I followed him everywhere helping him work on the farm. His laughter and smile were contagious.

I didn’t understand how he could just be gone.

The night he died I had the most vivid dream that I’ll never forget.

Grandad and I were playing tennis on the lawn and he was laughing all goofy as he used to.

As the sun started to set, Granded turned to me.

“I have to go.” He said.

“You can’t go.” I began crying in my dream. “Please, stay, please stay. I’ll do anything.” I begged.

“I’m sorry honey, it’s time for me to leave.”

I started bawling, and I watched his silhouette walk down the dirt track into the sunset.

I woke up suddenly, with tears in my eyes - but strangely, with a sense of calm.

Was that his way of telling me it was okay? That even though I didn’t want to, I could let him go?

He might’ve died, but he’s still very much alive in my life.

These days, it’s not often I actually take the time to look at the sky, but when I do I think of him. Life is short. The relationships you form and the love that grows from them is never-ending.

Now when I watch the sunset, I know he’s still around. For me, it’s a reminder that he’ll always be with me, even if he’s not here in person. Our loved ones will always be close.

All the love,

Kelsey

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