My heart and soul were bursting with it. It's been a long winter and everything has felt grey. But today, oh today, the warm sun, the smell of warm grass, I couldn't resist lunch out and wine in the middle of the day.
We went to a local winery I didn't even know what there. It was beautiful looking across the valley, down to the river, into the endless cloud filled blue of the sky.
The food was divine, the wine perfect. And as we ate, out of the range of any type of cell signal, Americo's grandfather slipped away with his family around him.
Papa Oscar had been sick for a long time, and he'd lived a good life. His family loved him, and he adored his family. He would do anything for his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren, and he was dearly loved by the weird little Australian girl that randomly ended up part of his family.
Every night when I lived in San Francisco, when I would sneak downstairs to clean up after dinner, or make dessert, I would make tea for papa and take it out to him. When I'd put the cup down on the table he'd hold my hand for a second and give me a kiss and say "I love you, good night". It is one of my most treasured memories from a trip full of memories.
I wish we could have been there when he died, though I think he was glad that we weren't. He wanted Americo to be here, to have this life. I know that when I said goodbye to him some years ago now, and when Americo said goodbye last year, that he knew that it was the last time and I think he would have been happy that we didn't see him at the end when he was weak, and so unlike himself.
I am desperately sad for our beautiful family who have lost their husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
Sleep easy papa, you were loved, and you'll be missed.
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