My grandfather never made it to 80

My grandfather died suddenly of cancer at the age of only 79 recently, he was an active man who always saw his friends and never seemed ols and I was really looking forward to celebrating his eightieth birthday with him. I know 79 is not necessarily a young age but I expected my grandad to live at least another ten years, why couldn't he have stayed alive a few more months until he became an octogenarian.

He was as active as my other grandad (who is already in his 80s and still going strong) so why couldn't he have lived as long as my other grandfather. 

 

I could have had two grandfathers in their 80s!!

  • Hello Robb; sorry that you have lost your grandfather so quickly.  I lost both of my grandfathers quite young. one to stomach cancer and the other had a sudden heart attack (for choice give me the heart attack any time).  I am 66 years old and it was all many years ago.  My mum and dad met and married during WW2 - he originated from North Wales where we often spent holidays.  I was very young when we went to see my grandad in Wales who was then terminally ill and I was pleased to be able to see him and sit in his bedroom and talk with him.  Grandparents were great - they had the time to talk with us.  Your grandfather soudns as though he should have had a longer life as he was active and friendly but, once again, cancer simply doesn't care.    There is no logic to it.  I hope your grandfather did not suffer too much and you will still have fond memories of him.  Allow yourself to grieve.  I still "talk" to my parents who are deceased - those we love never really leave us.  Annie

  • Thank you for your response, 79 really is not that old! I was looking forward to his 80th birthday and sadly that is never going to happen. I had a great grandmother that lived to 92 and only passed away a few year ago and I really thought he'd be on the same track as her.