Mein Grossvater (My Grandfather)

This Thursday, the 9th of August of 2007, my grandfather passed away. He lived here in Florianópolis with my grandmother and I would visit both almost every weekend. In these last days me and my family, together with friends and relatives, gathered in his house to mourn our loss. He had a cardiovascular accident last week and stayed in the hospital for a few days. When his situation became irreversible, we brought him to rest at home, as he always said he wanted to. He passed away painless and smoothly, surrounded by his loving family. He was buried on Friday.

Born in the 25th of July of 1921, my grandfather spent most of his young life in the small city of Capinzal. During the World War II, he was a part of the brazilian militar force which was sent to Italy to help consolidate the allies' victory. There he faced the violence of war and lost many companions. As a proud soldier, he returned to Brazil and met my grandmother, with whom he was married for full 60 years. They had seven children and later moved to Florianópolis, where they stayed until now.

My grandfather was an example for his generation. He was a man who managed to fight through a war, raise seven kids and influence several people, making many friends and conquering respect and admiration. Always profoundly concerned about his family and his community, he was a man to rely on. This character passed on to his children and all the people whose lives intersected with his. He had the vision to make out a lot of his life, being rewarded with a healthy aging and the loving company of his family until his last days. I was named after this great man and I am very proud of it. His memory will live on in many people's minds and hearts, including mine.

Thank you, my dear grandfather, for all your caring and everything that you helped set in motion. Rest in peace.