Raichu

My Opa(Grandpa) died last night.
He'd been in hospital the last few days with pneumonia.

My Oma and Opa live in Holland, so I haven't seen them face to face since I was about 7 years old. But last time they visited they took me and my sister to town and bought us toys. Opa picked out a Raichu toy for me, and ever since it has been one of my favourite pokemon.

When I got the call from my Mum this morning to let me know he was gone I grabbed Raichu and cried all over him.

I wish I had sent Opa more letters, I wish I had drawn him more pictures.
And I really wish I had the chance to know him more. I'm a bit mad at them for living so far away, for moving back to Holland even though their family lives here.

But now he's gone, and I won't ever get to know him, I won't get the chance to write another letter or talk on the phone.
I should have done it while I could, but it was awkward because of a huge language barrier. I avoided it, and I hate that I did.

The memories I do have of him are few, but I cherish them. I keep a photo of Oma and Opa in my room, and I stared at it most of today.
I want to paint Oma a picture of that photo, I want to try and capture his essence in my art. I want to know her better, I missed my chance with him, I don't want to do the same with Oma.

I love you Opa
RIP