Remembering Wilhelm Rudolph Ingstad

[Angry Bill]

I'm in a little funk today, since today is the 24th anniversary of my grandfather's loosing his battle with cancer.

My grandfather was born in Norway, but came over to the United States when he was about a month old. He lived his life in honor, respect, kindness and showed love to all. I only saw him mad one time. He taught me about my Viking Heritage, including giving me a Thor's Hammer, which I have proudly worn since I was 12 years old. Teri has his Thor's Hammer that he wore his entire life, which is passed down to the oldest grandson, me.

Each anniversary, my nephew and I go to my father's graveside and remember grandpa. We chant a viking prayer in Norwegian to remember the great man! In rough translation, part of it states, I do not mourn your death, but celebrate the victories that you fought for. In life, you fought with honor and in death you shine brighter than the North Sun. I shall see you in Valhala again, and we drink together!. Skol Papa!

I came across the Viking Death Prayer from the 13th Warrior, which seemed appropriate as we go to his final resting place.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-cHVI_UBMs&feature=related"]YouTube - Viking Death Prayer[/ame]

[Headbanger]

In an odd feeling here, kinda a cool memoriam you have there.

[BGC]

I am sorry about your grandfather. He sounds like a great man.
Cancer runs rampid in my family. My grandfather lost his battle over 15 years ago. My father beat prostate cancer last year and my older brother had to get one of the jewels removed 2 weeks ago and has to undergo some radiation. The list go's' on with my family.

[Hendy]

That is an awesome tribute to him.

Keep it up Billy.

[jgaeta]

wow bill, i got goosebumps from reading that post. sorry for your loss. no matter how long ago it was it can still bring tears to remember a great person in your life. i'd hold up my glass for your grandfather, but i'll hold up my dunks iced coffee instead.

[Moro]

Bill, the skin onme arms and back shivered when I read the post and heard the chant. Beautiful way to remember one who sounds like a man to more than look up to. Plus, that's one bloody neat memorial!

[cigarguy71]

I am sorry for your loss Bill it is a cool tribute.

[Craig Mac]

Very cool tribute Bill!! Every year I make a Spaghetti Brasciole in honor of my Grandfather on his birthday.

[dpricenator]

I have been lucky so far to not lose anyone in 20 years. I don't want to imagine the feeling but I know it will be hard. I figure my granddad will be first, and I'll be taking Bill's lead and be sure I remember the best man in my life when he's gone. Tear jerker there BIll.

[Hardcore]

Sorry for your loss Bill. It's never easy to loose someone we love!

[daniyal]

That's really cool Bill.. I lost my grandfather to vocal cord cancer which had spread to his lungs and brain. He fought it for over 30 years before giving in (doctor's game him a year when he was diagnosed) and recently my father-in-law battled prostate cancer. I wish you and the other BOTLs here a healthy cancer free life.

[smokinj]

Thats a gnarly Tribute Bill. Sorry for your loss my friend

[Volusianator]

Sorry I missed this yesterday Bill and very sorry to hear about your Grandfather.

[Angry Bill]

It was nice to remember my grandpa yesterday. My grandmother came with us, since she is a little scatter brained. She cried when Michael and I did our tribute. She had never been there when we did it. A few cousins came also, since they were in town for another relative's funeral. 10 vikings chanted the prayer in Norwegian, one of which lives in Norway now. I was in Norway for his father's funeral years ago, so this tradition will continue.

We toasted my papa with Aquavit from Norway!

Thanks all for the kind words in my day of funk! Shelby quickly got me out of it. Puppies have a way of doing that! hehe.