We just found out that great grandpa Baggett passed away. We've been to tons of funerals, the territory goes with what we do, but this is our first family funeral. Our sympathy goes to the Baggetts, may they have peace and remember the good in Great grandpa's life. We'd been able to visit G.G. Baggett several times since Ivan's birth and although he was not a very warm or inviting man, you could tell that seeing Ivan brought some measure of joy to his life. Kids seem to do that, especially when they are little. I've seen reserved people wave and smile, comment or do goofy things to crack a smile from Ivan. It's beautiful.
Brian was not very close to his grandpa and I wasn't very close to either of mine (while Grandpa MacLeod lived with us some 15 years, he had alzheimers so the connections were not based so much on family ties and sharing memories). But I can tell that Ivan's grandparents are forging a new path. They are much more involved and demonstrate their love in both meaningful and elaborate ways, including time consuming and costly trips here. It means so much to us for our parents to lavish so much love on our precious child and to know that he will have positive and enriching relationships with them all his life. So thank you to all of Ivan's grandparents for your investment in his and our lives.
GG. Baggett had a rough life in many ways. He didn't get to experience the birth of his first son (Brian's dad) as he was fighting in WWII. Then he came back home after that trauma to the responsibility of father, husband, provider... It's no wonder he had a hard time connecting. Plus I am sure he was just doing what he knew from his parents. Times have changed. I know some of the stories from my grandparents generation are heartwarming and others tragic, with the missed opportunities. But whatever their involvement, we do have to be grateful for the lives they lived. We would not be here if it were not for them. A part of GG Baggett lives on in Grandpa Ray, Brian, and Ivan and for that we will always be thankful.
4 comments:
Very insightful and loving tribute!
Thank you so much, Angela, for your kind words.
My sympathies to you all. I am very fortunate in that I was and am close to my grandparents. I know that for me their loss will be felt very deeply. It's wonderful that Ivan at least had the opportunity to meet his Great Grandpa. I know that when he is older he'll appreciate the photos of the 4 generations of Baggett men.
sorry for your family's loss. praying that travel will be safe for the funeral.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and the whole Baggett family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and emotional time. Even though you were not close, it still hurts to lose a family member, as it is part of the family tree and history gone from your lives. Remember that GG Baggett's spirit will live on in his son, Brian and Ivan forever, and now Ivan has another guardian angel to watch over him. Love Netts and Harrison OX
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