Saturday, February 9, 2013

Remembering my Opa ~ Adalbert Haf ~



I was only three years old when we left Germany and I remember very little about my Opa, Adalbert Haf, born, 27 Feb. 1907 and passed away on 09 Feb. 1968. My mom told me that we were very very close.

I do remember where I was and what I was doing, the day mom received the white envelope with the black border around it from Germany, announcing his death. I felt that closeness we shared in my heart, that my brain could not remember. I am the keeper of that announcement, and of all his photos now.

Mom had shared many stories with me about how very close Opa and I were up until mom and I left Germany. He didn't want us to leave. I was stuck to him like glue, as he was with me, and would hang out with him in his workshop. I had my own set of tools that matched his, and if he hit his thumb with the hammer...so did I! And when he hit his thumb and cursed in German...so did I! Mom had said that no one would ever forget that one.

Opa was a German Mountain Trooper in Russia, during WWII. His military career ended when he was shot in the shoulder. When I was at the age of 13,  Mom and I traveled back to Augsburg, Germany, our home town, for a four week visit...I do remember the wonderful times Opa and I had together...that was the last time I saw him before he passed.


                                                  (Find A Grave Memorial)





11 comments:

Jana Iverson Last said...

Gini, what a sweet tribute to your grandpa!

Michelle Taggart said...

What a sweet thing to know that you were so close to your Opa when you were so little. It's interesting to me how some people are kindred spirits from day one.

Gini said...

Very sweet Michelle and you described it perfectly, "Kindred spirits from day one!" I have been blessed with some very loving people in my life. Thank you for stopping by!

Unknown said...

I loved your story about your Opa. It's sad that you had to leave him so far away. Love transcends the miles.

Betty

Gini said...

Betty, thank you, "Love transcends the miles" . . . so very true and love did! When mom and I went back to Augsburg, Germany, when I was 13 years old, Opa and I had a very sweet reunion . . . neither time or distance changed our closeness and love for each other . . . I love your words!

Jana Iverson Last said...

Gini, I wanted to let you know that this post is listed in today's Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/02/follow-fridayfab-finds-for-february-15.html Have a wonderful weekend!

Barbara Poole said...

Gini, I'm so glad Jana selected your entry as one of her favorites. What a wonderful story about your Opa and sharing your fond memories of him. Thanks for posting this.

Gini said...

Thank you Jana, I always remember my Opa as such a sweet and loving man . . . I sure wish I could have spent more time with him.

Thank you, Barbara . . . how blessed to have those memories of our grandpas isn't it! Thank you both for taking the time to stop by.

Gini said...

Jana, thank you so so much for including my post about my sweet Opa in your "Fab Friday" post!

Unknown said...

Nice post! I love that you used to hit your own thumb and curse in German when your grandfather did.

Gini said...

Thank you Rachael . . . when my mom told me that, it cracked me up and at the same time, what a great feeling it was to know that I was so close to my Opa!