#platform 1j

dear grandpa,

this morning i woke up at 5:13am. i had a later night than usual but was wide awake with no hope of getting back to sleep. our cousins groupchat was blowing up with everyone sending their favourite photos of you. i just thought we were all finally digging through all of the photos. little did i know... i heard a car pull in the drive way around 6:43am then a few minutes later mum came into my room and told me the news. i didn’t quite know what to do in that moment. if you remember the last time i saw you, i had my friend with me? he’s actually my boyfriend grandpa and i’m glad you got to see him at least. he was the first person i messaged. i heard dad come up stairs and mum followed to his room where he broke down. he sobbed and cried out to you. i hope you heard. “i’m sorry dad. i’m so so sorry. i’m sorry dad... i’m sorry you were alone.” i’ve never seen your son like that grandpa. never ever. i didn’t quite know what to do but i wanted to just be present so i got up and joined them. i sat down on the bed and just hugged my dad while he sobbed in mum’s lap. i heard mums comforting words but i couldn’t even tell you them exactly because i was still in shock. after a minute or two my sister came and joined us on the bed and we all just cried. a while later my brother arrived home with some breakfast. we sat around eating and sharing our stories of you. when i think about it, i know for a fact that you weren’t alone in those early hours this morning. i know those angels had returned and they walked you home. i know you’re well and safe. say hello to uncle for us. enjoy your jam sessions with elvis. give ace a pat for us. i look forward to being greeted by you and your ukulele when i join you in paradise. until we meet again grandpa.

oute alofa ia oe