Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Saying Goodbye to Gar-Gar //

Dear Readers,

On Friday 13th October we said goodbye to an inspirational man in our lives. My Great-Granddad, known in the family as Gar-Gar, passed away on Friday 29th September 2017 from dementia.


My handsome Great Grandad during World War II


The last couple of weeks have been emotionally turbulent for the family, as we have had to come to terms with the fact that his health was declining. 

It was particularly difficult as my move back to university meant that I was away from family and therefore not able to deal with the gradual process of grief. I was so lucky to be able to travel by train to visit Gar-Gar in his care home on Wednesday 27th September and hold his hand and say a proper goodbye. I spent the rest of the day with my Auntie and him, each of us telling him stories from throughout his life. Even though he couldn't speak, his eyes lit up and he would clench my hand. I know I will hold this last memory so dearly for the rest of my life.


Holding his hand
Uni has been a blessing in disguise. My course has kept me really busy, as well as my friends and lecturers being so supportive. 

Coming home for the funeral meant that I had to deal with the grief again. It is so hard to see the people you love in pain, trying to come to terms with someone else's life ending. 


One of the last times I visited Gar-Gar whilst he was relatively healthy.

I loved this day we spent together. Myself and Sam took the train down to Villa Adastra, the care home he was residing in and we bought lunch and had a picnic in his room. We got him to try all sorts of foods and had such a good day messing around and catching up.

Grief is such a confusing thing too and as we take this time to be together united as a family, we are going to celebrate the incredible life Gar-Gar lived, because his 95 years were fascinating.

Gar-Gar holding myself and Luc just a couple of days after we were born

Gar-Gar & Great Nanny Ings. Back together at last.



Alfred Bernard Ings
 8th April 1922 - 29th September 2017




I guess my final message really is that I hope you live your life to the fullest. Love your friends and family and cherish those memories you make together.


Stay Sweet,


Alice xx
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2 comments

  1. What a lovely tribute. We were all so blessed to have him in our lives for so long ��

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    1. I am so sorry to hear about Gar Gar. How lucky that he was an important part of your life. The memories you have of him are to treasure. What a handsome guy he was when he was younger. vikki

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