A Grand Ending

Well… after an eventful couple of days Grandma and I are back in Australia.  On Saturday 2nd July (German time) Grandad died in his sleep.  From 6:15 am Saturday morning our Grand Trip was redirected and every single person we meet or spoke to went out of their way to help.  From Lars, the APT driver who took us around the German countryside at 170 km/ hr on the auto bahn, and personally escorted us to the check in desk at Munich airport.  To Pawel the representation from APT who helped coordinate everything, and stayed up to 1 am local time while flights were being finalised.  Barry, the international funeral director who not only spoke English but also helped with the legalities and international procedures.  The crew of Amadiago our ship who made our time aboard both comfortable and fun.  The captain, cruise director and hotel manager who organised and help in interpreting with the German officials.  The passengers who provided their support and thoughts.  To every single airport worker we had contact with including flight attendants who saw to our every need, ground staff who helped pushing Grandma in her wheelchair. Mum and Dad who organised our all important fights back home.  To family and friends around the world who provided support.  

I have never seen Grandad happier than the night before he died.  He and I had laughed so hard we were crying about those ‘baldy head men’!   Grandma and Grandad also enjoyed the chance to celebrate their 61 years of marriage.  The Grand Trip was certainly a Grand ending to a wonderful man’s life.