So today marks 1 month since my grandfathers sudden passing, and it has me thinking about the real reason that I smoke cigars. For many young people that smoke around me, and this is not all young people that smoke trust me..but for a majority of young people that smoke, they are smoking just to smoke or whatever else. This is okay because it's totally their choice and I'm sure I started out that way as well! But for me smoking and having a nice cigar was a bond that I had with my grandfather, it was something special. My grandfather was a military man, and he worked for EVERYTHING he ever had, and had more smoking experience than anyone I have ever known. His last month we knew something wasn't right with him..and through all of it all he wanted to do was sit on the front porch in his old chair and have cigars and talk! Everyone was so busy with everything but I had the time and we both loved cigars, so every day if pick up some cigars from The Tinderbox and head over to sit on the porch a few hours and smoke and talk, and most importantly listen and LEARN everything I could! Spending so much time with him in his last month definitely made it harder when he passed but in the end I was blessed with so many stories and lessons and talks that made all those hours so special with him. Cigars are a bond with him that I will never lose and forget with my grandfather, and that man is a big reason for why I smoke today and enjoy the knowledge and lessons of cigars! Below is a link to a picture taken today, it's one of the last cigars that I smoked with my grandfather, and a gold pinky ring he passed down to me lol but that's another story.
Smoking a cigar isn't just smoking...it's a way to reflect..and remember good times..
- Thread starter #BOhioTL
- Start date
Brother I am so very happy your shared this with us. I feel for your loss but I am also so very happy for your gain also. Your grandfather seems like a man beyond all others. No every time you light one up that he is looking down upon you from his comfy chair in heaven lighting up with you.
He knew something was wrong and wanted to share his life stories and knowledge with someone. You did an amazing thing for him and I can almost guarantee you made his final days more then he could have ever wished for. That picture should be a reminder of the magic you both shared. Hold a few of those sticks store them and anytime you need to go to a special place those sticks will most definitely help and take you there.
So many ppl are to busy for the little things anymore and like you I relish those small things as I have felt the same pain you have. My grandfather smoked a pipe and that is what drew me to it. Every time I go through my ritual of piping I close my eyes and see him doing it as if he were right infront of me. Trust me friend it is definitely a memory you will never forget as my grandpa died 21 years ago and I am 26.
Again thank you for this and know you are amongst brothers who share what you feel. God bless.
Jonathan
He knew something was wrong and wanted to share his life stories and knowledge with someone. You did an amazing thing for him and I can almost guarantee you made his final days more then he could have ever wished for. That picture should be a reminder of the magic you both shared. Hold a few of those sticks store them and anytime you need to go to a special place those sticks will most definitely help and take you there.
So many ppl are to busy for the little things anymore and like you I relish those small things as I have felt the same pain you have. My grandfather smoked a pipe and that is what drew me to it. Every time I go through my ritual of piping I close my eyes and see him doing it as if he were right infront of me. Trust me friend it is definitely a memory you will never forget as my grandpa died 21 years ago and I am 26.
Again thank you for this and know you are amongst brothers who share what you feel. God bless.
Jonathan
A great tradition that lives on through you. Thanks for sharing, brother.
The enjoyment of cigars bridges all gaps: chronological, political, economic, etc...
The enjoyment of cigars bridges all gaps: chronological, political, economic, etc...
javajunkie
BoM July '12
condolences, man, but it looks like your grampa left you with something solid; an appreciation for context. it's not WHAT you drink, eat or smoke, it is WHEN, and WITH WHO.
i hope you can carry those rememberances forward, and make new and lasting connections in the future, sharing simple pleasures like a cigar with good people.
i hope you can carry those rememberances forward, and make new and lasting connections in the future, sharing simple pleasures like a cigar with good people.
My condolences for your loss. You got something that many people do not get though. Your grandfather left you with the gift of bonding, love and understanding. I hope to be like that when I am a grandfather one day. He made sure he left his mark on this earth with you and I am sure that as much as you enjoyed the time spent with him, he appreciated it ten-fold.
StogieNinja
Derek | BoM June 2014
Great story, and it's awesome you were able to share those times with him. I'm sorry to hear about your loss, but glad you were able to bond with him in that way.
Also, the return key is your friend.
Also, the return key is your friend.
Our thoughts are with you and your family as you deal with your grandfather's passing. Glad that you have found a way to continue to remember him and the wisdom he imparted on you.
HillbillyPyro
that's what she said
Sorry to hear about your loss. A lot of people today get so caught up in the fast pace of life that this world demands we live, that we lose what's really important. Its so awesome to hear that you and him got to bond and all had that time. That's a story that you pass down to generations and all the stories he shared. God bless you for sharing that story with us!
Thanks for sharing that touching story. Your Grampy sounded like a great guy.
Nice story...grandpas rock....I remember sitting on my gandfathers lap when I was 5 or so...this would have been the mid 70's...he would smoke a cigar, and I would ask him to blow the smoke into an empty cigar box, shut it and then slowly open the box and watch the smoke come out...now having a cigar with a kid on your lap wouldn't go over well, but it was a different time...thanks for reminding me of my own grandfather...