Tribute to Grandpa

It was 24 years ago today, June 20, 1983, at the age of 11, when my Grandpa Dan had passed away. The feeling is the same now as it was then....sadness and incredible grief over loosing someone so special to me.
The one special thing that I carry with me from my Grandpa Dan is the nickname he gave me....MEL...which is why my blog is melsviews. And on special occassion, or with special people, I'll go by that nickname.
I loved my Grandpa so much. He was my best friend. He and my grandma lived in an apartment complex off of Sheridan Drive. Behind their apt. complex were railroad tracks. So everytime we went to visit, Grandpa would do two special things with me. First, we'd sit down and he'd tell me what each key and his keyring was for (he had many!). Then we'd go for a special walk on the railroad tracks behind the apt. building. He'd hold my hand. The memory is vivid.
The last time I saw my Grandpa was a memory I hold close to my heart as well. We had a small family picnic @ Veteran's Park. My brother Matt and I had recently each been awarded a gigantic size trophy for basketball (in high school). So we brought our trophies there to show Grandpa & Grandma. They were proud.
Most importantly, before they left the picnic, Grandpa Dan told us that he loved us. Not something I remember hearing on a regular basis, in person anyways.(BUT I do still have letters & cards from Grandpa where he wrote that he loved us).
It was within the next few days, that my Grandpa woke during the middle of the night, not feeling well, and within a few hours, passed away.
I remember sitting on the glider on our porch after hearing the news from my parents. I was devastated! The special person in my life was gone. I was angry because kids in front of my house were laughing & playing, while I was so sad from loosing my Grandpa.
When I go to the cemetary to visit, I sit and tell Grandpa all about the family; what we're all doing with our lives, about the great-grandchildren, and how much I still miss him and feel sad that he's gone. I cry then like I cried when I was 11. The feeling of the loss never goes away. I remember how difficult the funeral was, and how unbearable it was at the service @ the cemetary when they put his coffin in the wall.
I pray that my Grandma (who is still alive, age 93, and living in a nursing home in poor health) can be reunited with my Grandpa. I can't bear to see her suffer, and the fact that she's loosing her memory more & more as time goes on, and that she's alone in such a cold place. I just want her & Grandpa Dan to be together again.
To Grandpa, Love Mel