One of the most amazing men I have ever known was my son's paternal grandfather, George Thackeray. He was an intelligent and hardworking man with a heart of gold, but what I loved most about him was his wonderful sense of humor. He was always telling jokes, being silly, and making you laugh. He was an utter joy to be around, and I am certain he was the glue that held his family together. When he passed away back in 1991, it was a deep loss for the whole family. A wonderful, joyous,and kind soul that we would miss dearly. His wife whose name is Georgia, remains with us, is also a wonderful soul, and she has always been known for having taste in things that were loud and colorful. Her favorite color is orange, and she always wears very colorful dresses and likes very big and unusual things. When we were at the grave side service, the pastor was talking about what George was doing in Heaven. George had a painting business that supported his family for over 25 years, so the pastor speculated that George could be up in there in Heaven painting a house for Georgia, and then he added probably in her favorite color. Right about that time, two of my sister-n-laws burst out in soft giggles. All they could think at the moment was the color ORANGE. The house would be ORANGE! You would have to truly know the whole family to understand the beauty of that moment, for it was a sweet legacy of George's wonderful humor that remained here with his family; his spirit was still here with us in our tears and in our laughter as well.
A wonderful look into family history! Great post! =)
ReplyDelete-Weasel
This makes me smile. Laughter and tears are the best combination.
ReplyDeletethis is so sweet!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story Carrie, I loved it.
ReplyDeleteHe sounded like a wonderful man who would have loved the giggles that the 'orange' thought bought forth. :-)
A lovely post Carrie
ReplyDeleteA touching story...he is very wonderful
ReplyDeleteI love this story - and I also love how laughter comes even in times of sorrow - spreading the happy memories around in comfort to those left behind. I love the vision of an orange house just waiting for Georgia. Lovely story! Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteLovely. He sounds like a special person who touched others in a deep way.
ReplyDeletebittersweet memories...
ReplyDeletethanks for providing the image..
he looks cool!
this was a lovely tribute. We joke a lot in my family and I cannot imagine us not or missing a contributor to the hilarity so I can understand your loss on many levels. I have to think it started with their names tho George and Georgia? they must have been true soul mates.
ReplyDeleteDear Carrie,
ReplyDeleteLovely as usual. Please drop by here - http://ninotazizpurplemusings.blogspot.com/2010/10/poetry-by-carrie-burtt.html - a little present for you!
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments on this post...George and Georgia were soul mates and a blessing to know...so glad that I had the opportunity to share a bit of thier sweet spirit here. :-)
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I so enjoyed this story. First of all, I thought it was interesting that George married Georgia. (How often would this happen!) And also thinking about Georgia's favorite color...orange strikes me as a fairly unusual choice of favorite color. I think it shows her individuality, not one to follow the herd. May the two of them eventually share that orange home in Heaven!
ReplyDeleteSome people have that effect on others, even once they're gone. they leave a kind of happiness and joy behind, that warms our days and brightens the hours of sadness.
ReplyDeleteYou both are right Mary and Friko...Georgia is truly an individual through and through...and George's sweet and fun spirit lives on in his wonderful family...and yes Mary they were a special match...hearts, names and all. :-)
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I enjoyed this glimpse into family.
ReplyDeleteOrange is a lovely colour
Pamela
Thank you Pamela...so glad you stopped by...and i agree orange is a lovely color. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. :-)
ReplyDeletesmiles. this says a lot about him as well as your fam...which sounds pretty cool actually...smiles.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, what a beautiful story. I enjoyed so very much learning about George and Georgia! With Georgia's love of orange, I am sure she enjoyed this month of the year.
ReplyDeleteSmiles at the graveside giggles and knowing in heaven he'd be painting Georgia's house orange. She must love Hallowe'en and this time of year!
ReplyDeletecarrie,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very fine story about a wonderful man and his family.
It is lovely that the colour orange, brings such happy, family memories.
Thank you for sharing this story Carrie.
Best Sunday Wishes,
Eileen
What a touching story! George and Georgia. Swoon.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to be remembered! His family is lucky to have had such fun memories of their dad.
ReplyDeleteThank you one and all for taking the time to read about George and Georgia...hope everyone has a wonderful week! :-)
ReplyDeletewhat a warm lovely story!
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