Losing a loved one is always rough. Your friends and co-workers may send quick sympathy messages on Facebook, or you may receive condolence cards in the mail. While it can be nice to receive thoughts and prayers of others, sometimes none of those messages can add comfort to the sharp grief of losing your grandfather.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Read a Quote that Says “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa”
- Find a “Happy Birthday, Grandpa” Poem
- Acknowledge Grandpa’s 100th Birthday on Social Media or Public Tribute
- “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Letter Ideas
- “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Messages from a Granddaughter
- “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Messages from a Grandson
- Songs That Say “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa”
If you find yourself struggling with the death of your grandpa, seeking advice on dealing with your pain can be helpful. You can read some books on grief, talk with a counselor or a member of the clergy.
If your grandfather's birthday is approaching, think about how you would like to honor your family member as he celebrates his birthday in heaven. Here are some ways you can say happy birthday to your grandpa, even though he is no longer on Earth.
Read a Quote that Says "Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa"
Sometimes it helps to realize that other people are hurting too. Read these quotes about grandparents. You may consider using some of them for your grandfather's eulogy, or you may reflect on the quote as your grandpa's birthday approaches.
- When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window." - Ogden Nash, Poet
- "A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart." - Author Unknown
- "Grandfathers are for loving and fixing things." - Author Unknown
- "The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap." - Author Unknown
- "Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." - Alex Haley, Author
- "One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather." - Joy Hargrove
- "Every generation revolts against its fathers and makes friends with its grandfathers." - Lewis Mumford, Historian
- "A grandfather is someone you can look up to no matter how tall you grow." – Author Unknown
- "Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet." - Gene Perret, Writer
- “It is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside when the soul is to enter into real life; ’tis rather an embryo state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals?” – Benjamin Franklin, political leader and author
- “What is there to do when people die – people so dear and rare – but bring them back by remembering?” – May Sarton, poet
- “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” – John Taylor, author
- “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.” – William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania
- “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” – Emily Dickinson, poet
Find a "Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa" Poem
Many poems celebrate grandparents, and perhaps can give you solace to read and reflect upon as you approach your grandfather's birthday. Consider posting some of these poems to your social media accounts so others can reminisce and think about the special grandparent in their lives.
"Manners" by Elizabeth Bishop
In this poem by American poet Elizabeth Bishop, a grandfather teaches his grandson manners during a short wagon ride. Grandparents may often act as guides on what is wrong and what is right.
"My Granddaddy, My Best Friend" by Lauren E. Garner
In this poem, Lauren E. Garner describes her granddaddy as her friend and guide. Think about what you learned from your grandfather. Perhaps he taught you how to change a tire, or maybe he taught you how to be a good citizen.
"I Was Thinking Of Love And You Came To Mind" by April Johnson
April Johnson thinks of specific moments she spent with her grandfather. Those moments were tender and sweet, even though the speaker of the poem remembers being a difficult child. Perhaps others regret their past behaviors with their grandparents.
"A D-Day Tale" by Tammy L. Privitera
Do you know how your grandfather met your grandmother? It's important to know your family stories. Ask your parents about the details of how your family started. Record the stories so future generations can enjoy them someday.
"A True Hero" by Julie Mills
If you said that your grandfather was a hero, others might assume that you mean that he was a military hero. This poem, “A True Hero,” speaks about a man who shows heroism in his everyday life.
"Great Grandpa" by Alan Balter
You may have been lucky enough to have a relationship with a great grandparent. Alan Balter writes about the great sense of humor of the patriarch of his family. If your grandpa shared a lot of good jokes, spend time sharing those jokes with others on his birthday. Perhaps this would be good to share on social media.
"Northern Star" by Kelly Graham
This poem doesn't specifically mention a grandfather, but it does speak about someone in your life who offers guidance. Perhaps you often sought your grandfather's advice when you needed help making decisions.
"My Last Visit" by Alexis Abraham
When was the last time you saw your grandfather alive? Alexis Abraham reflects on the last visit she had with this special man in her life. While saying goodbye is hard, some wish they had a chance to have a special moment with a person they loved before they died.
"Up Above" by Brianna Martins
Brianna Martins thinks about her loved one who has passed on into eternal life. Even though she misses her family member, she finds comfort in knowing that this person is no longer in pain. She writes, "God decided he needed you now so he brought you up, up past the sun to a place where all your pain is gone."
"The Grandfather Clock" by James Sielschott
This poet compares his grandfather to a grandfather clock. Just like a clock, his grandfather was always present, watching over the members of the family and guiding them.
“Remember Me When I Am Gone Away” by Christina Rossetti
If you remember holding your grandpa’s hand when you were little, you might enjoy this poem. It begins:
“Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand.”
“Shall We Gather at the River” by Robert Lowry
“Shall We Gather at the River” is best known as a gospel song about meeting our loved ones in Heaven one day. The chorus is as follows:
“Yes, we’ll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.”
“Talking to Grief” by Denise Levertov
Grief is compared to a homeless dog in this poem. The speaker invites the dog into their house since it’s already living under the porch. This poem reminds us that grief isn’t temporary or something you “go through.” Instead, it becomes part of your life.
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost
This famous poem is sometimes read at funerals.
Acknowledge Grandpa's 100th Birthday on Social Media or Public Tribute
You may have been lucky enough to have a grandfather who lasted 100 years. Perhaps your grandfather passed on before hitting this milestone. What do you say on social media if this milestone is approaching? Here are some ideas.
“My loving grandfather would have been 100 years old today, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. He showed me his secret fishing hole and helped me catch my first catfish. He snuck me a beer on my 17th birthday, much to my mother's chagrin. Grandpa made sure I knew about Waylon, Willie, and Johnny. He encouraged me to propose to my wife and told me the secrets of a happy marriage. I miss him every day. Happy birthday in heaven, grandpa!”
“Many of you knew my Grandpa Stevens. He acted like an old curmudgeon, but I've never met a more kind and caring man. In honor of my grandpa's birthday today, I ask all of you to wear your Cubs jerseys or t-shirts. Even though Grandpa lived to be 96, and he accomplished so much in his long life, he didn't survive long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series. Wear those Cubs shirts today and think of my dear grandpa.”
“Happy birthday to my grandpa in heaven! He would have been 100 years old today. My grandpa was a hard-working man who could fix anything. In fact, he never spent a dime on home improvement projects or car repairs because he thought a real man should be able to take care of such things himself. Whenever I smell Old Spice cologne or eat a butterscotch candy, I think of my grandpa.”
“My grandfather would have been 100 years old today, and it is incredible to think about how the world has changed since he was born in 1919. My grandfather's parents were farmers, and he grew up in a rural community. His houses didn't have indoor plumbing, and he describes how he would use catalog pages as toilet paper in the outhouse at the back of the property. They had a hand-pumped well at their house, and they had to heat water for their weekly baths. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the last 100 years.”
“Today would have been my grandpa's birthday, and I miss him every day. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents still, call and visit them often. Ask them questions about their parents and childhood. Ask about their reactions to historical events. Find out what your parents were like as kids, and ask them the secrets to a long marriage. Don't ignore the older generation because you will regret the loss of knowledge when they are gone.”
“My grandpa would have been 100 years old today. My favorite memory with grandpa happened when I was 12. I was spending the night at his house, and he woke me up early. We left grandma and my younger siblings sleeping in bed as we crept from the house before daybreak. We climbed into his old pickup that didn't have seatbelts and drove to his favorite fishing lake. We silently cast our lines as the sun rose.”
“Happy 100th birthday to my grandpa in Heaven! Grandpa Smith was my dad’s father. He describes Grandpa as being a harsh disciplinarian when he was growing up, but that side of him must have disappeared before I came around. Grandpa Smith always seemed like the most gentle of souls. During one visit, Grandpa was caring for a bird with a hurt wing. And he loved being around us and his great-grandchildren.”
“My favorite memory of my Grandpa Porter was when he would take me into town for an ice cream soda at the corner drugstore. We didn’t have much to talk about on these trips, but we would sit in silence and enjoy each other’s presence.”
“I wish that Grandpa Miller would have made it to 100. He would have been so proud of my son Mitchell, who just graduated with a physics degree from UCLA. Grandpa studied physics as well and even worked with Einstein on a few projects.”
“I’ve been taking a deep dive into my family history lately, and I noticed that my grandfather would have turned 100 today. I don’t remember much about him, but I know that some of you ‘older cousin’ have quite a few memories. If you have a moment, can you share some of them with me? I would also love to see some of your photos of Grandpa.”
“Grandpa often said, ‘Could be worse!’ It sometimes annoyed me – especially if I had been telling him a story of some great injustice that I had recently experienced. However, I find myself returning to this phrase time and time again. Yes, Grandpa. For everything that I have gone through, things most certainly could have been worse!”
“Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Letter Ideas
As you learn to live without your beloved grandpa, you may find strategies to help get you through the days. For example, some feel at peace when visiting a cemetery. Others may complete an act of service to honor a loved one who is gone.
Still others may feel connected to their departed loved ones by writing letters or messages to them. Writing a letter to a person who has passed may feel strange at first. Here are some subject ideas and examples to get you started.
What I miss about you
Grandpa, I miss your calm presence. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by this crazy world, I could always count on you to remind me that “this too shall pass.” Throughout your life, you saw war, disease, economic uncertainty, and struggling relationships. Yet, throughout all that noise, you continued to have an optimistic outlook on life.
If I could have one more day
Grandpa, if I could have one more day with you, I would choose to spend it riding along with you on your errands. First, we would stop to buy tomatoes at your friend’s roadside stand. Then, we would visit your buddy Al, who would sharpen your lawn mower blade. Finally, we would get a butterscotch sundae from the corner pharmacy (which you always told me to keep secret from Grandma).
I wish I would have told you
I wish I would have told you how much I looked up to you, Grandpa. I measure myself against you and make decisions based on how I feel you would have in the same situation. I know that you weren’t perfect, but I loved you anyway.
What I learned from you
I learned so much from you, Grandpa. I learned how to bait a hook and change a tire. I learned how to make conversations with strangers, and I find myself repeating your jokes to lighten the mood in a room.
I also learned how to treat my spouse with respect and how to accept praise humbly.
Most of all, I learned how to be an active listener and make the other person feel that they are the most important person in the world.
How I feel on the anniversary of your death
Life isn’t the same without you, Grandpa. I miss you so much. You made me feel protected, cherished, and loved. But, unfortunately, now that you’re gone, there are not many people who I can turn to when life gets tough, and that’s a scary feeling.
How I describe you to my kids
My kids have heard a lot of stories about you, Grandpa. I have told them all your corny jokes and have shown them the magic tricks you taught me. They love looking at the photos I have of you dressed up as Santa.
My most poignant memory of you
I’ll never forget how sad you were following Grandma’s death. I could practically see your heart break in half when you told us the news. I know how terribly you missed her and how much you were looking forward to reuniting with her.
This song always reminds me of you
I always think of your booming tenor and tapping foot every time I hear that old gospel song, “I’ll Fly Away.” Some people struggle picking songs for their loved one’s funerals, but we all knew which tunes were your favorites.
I wish I would have asked you...
Grandpa, I wish I knew more about your time in the service. I know it wasn’t common for people to talk about such things back then, but I wish I would have bothered to ask you what it was like on D-Day.
What I wish you could have known about me
Grandpa, you would be happy to know that I followed in your footsteps and learned how to play the banjo. I even had your old instrument repaired!
“Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Messages from a Granddaughter
The birthday of a deceased loved one is often a difficult day. Here are some messages to share on your social media accounts to tell others how you are feeling.
Those who know me well understand how important my grandpa was to me. Today would have been his 86th birthday. Even though I miss Grandpa every day, this particular one is especially hard. Happy birthday, Gramps!
You were the light of my life and my biggest fan. Life is not the same without you, Grandpa. Even though we are glad you are no longer in pain, we sure miss your presence on Earth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa.
Even though Grandpa can no longer hear our family sing “Happy Birthday,” he’s in the presence of heavenly angels offering praises to God. I guess that’s a pretty good trade-off for Gramps.
I’m not embarrassed to say that I loved being “Grandpa’s little princess.” He was an amazing man, and I miss him every day. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa!
My Grandpa Smith could lasso a steer, fix any vehicle, and build a barn. But, he was also the gentlest, kindest man who ever lived. I miss you every day, Grandpa! Happy birthday!
Grandpa, Even though you are gone from this Earth, I feel your presence beside me daily. You are the voice in my head, and our hearts are connected forever. I miss you every day, but especially today.
I miss you, Grandpa! I wish I were with you today so that we could go to our special place and order a strawberry shake. Happy birthday!
Today, my Grandpa is celebrating his heavenly birthday with angels! Happy birthday! We miss you!
Grandpa - you are forever in my heart. My only solace at your passing is that one day we will meet again.
Grandpa, on your birthday, I always think about all the special times we had together. Thank you for being such an amazing grandfather and role model.
I miss your corny jokes, your off-tuned singing, your piggyback rides, and your fierce hugs. Happy birthday to the best Grandpa ever!
Grandpa, last night you visited me in my dreams. I woke up smiling and thinking of you today!
Grandpa, even though I miss you terribly, I am thankful that you can celebrate your birthday in Heaven with Grandma. You both meant the world to me!
My Grandpa used to call me his “little princess.” Every man I have met throughout my life has had to measure up to my grandpa. So far, no one has been able to knock him off his pedestal.
Today I smelled pipe smoke, and it immediately made me cry because it reminded me of my sweet, old PawPaw. It’s incredible how scents cause you to travel back in time.
My grandpa would have been 100 today! He loved dark, German beers, so have one for my Gramps tonight!
This is my favorite photo of my grandpa, who would have turned 100 years old today. Wasn’t he handsome? I always thought he looked like a movie star!
I can’t eat Neapolitan ice cream without thinking about my grandpa. He would always slice the ice cream out of the container! So, guess how we are celebrating his 100th birthday? Who wants a slice of ice cream?
Today would have been my grandpa’s 100th birthday. You may not know this about me, but we named our dog “Rex” because of this man. Grandpa always called his dogs “Rex.”
“Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa” Messages from a Grandson
Grandsons, too, may wish to remember a special grandfather with a message on social media. Here are some “happy birthday in Heaven” messages to share on the anniversary of your grandfather’s birth.
I was always proud to be your grandson. People were always happy to see you and sought your advice. You were an extraordinary man, and I miss you every day.
Today would have been my Grandpa’s 99th birthday. Even though he died three years shy of a century, I am thankful that he is finally with the love of his life. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa! Hug Grandma for me.
Now that I’m a grandpa, I can’t help but think back on the special relationship I had with both of my granddads. Although they were different, both taught me crucial lessons about what it means to be a man—happy heavenly birthday to both of my Grandpas on May 1st and the other on May 5th.
Grandpa – the world seems less safe now that you are gone. I miss your strength and calming presence.
My grandpa wasn’t preachy. Instead of learning from his words, we learned by his example. I am grateful for his life lessons every single day.
I learned so much from my grandpa, but one of the most important lessons he ever taught me was the importance of treating everyone you encounter with respect. Grandpa was kind and respectful to all people, regardless of whether he agreed with their life choices. The world would be a better place if there were more people like my grandpa in it.
Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa! I still remember the last birthday you spent on Earth. You told everyone how blessed you felt to have been given such a wonderful life. What they say is true: “A grateful heart is a happy heart.” You personified this.
Grandpa, whenever I smell Old Spice cologne and taste banana cream pie, I think of you. Happy birthday in Heaven!
It feels so strange that you are gone. We gathered around you only a few months ago to celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary, and now you are gone. My heart is still hurting on your first birthday in Heaven. We miss you terribly.
Another year has passed without you, Grandpa. However, you live on in our hearts and memories. The family still shares “Grandpa stories” whenever we get together, and we laugh and cry and remember all those special moments.
I wish you were still here, Grandpa! You were the only constant in my life, and I never thanked you for all you did for me.
My grandpa wasn’t super friendly, and he was never quick with a smile. But I learned a lot about having a good work ethic from this hard-working man.
Grandpa would have turned 100 last week, and he only bought one brand-new vehicle in his life. I happened to run across the same model at a car show today, so I thought I would share this pic in memory of my grandpa.
This quote was always hanging on my Grandpa’s mirror: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” Happy birthday to Grandpa! I think of you often!
Happy 100th birthday, Grandpa! One thing I always loved about my grandpa was that he always tried to stay up to date with technology. He wasn’t afraid of it and didn’t look at it with suspicion. He would have loved the idea of self-driving cars, and he was the only one in the senior center to have a Facebook account.
Songs That Say “Happy Birthday in Heaven, Grandpa”
There are plenty of songs about grief and death – from every genre and time period. However, sometimes it seems like the most poignant songs are those that you associated with the deceased.
What songs would your grandpa listen to in the car when he would take you out for ice cream? What record would your grandparents play when they danced in the kitchen?
Here are some songs that are about loss, love, and grief. We also have included a few selections that a 100-year-old grandpa may have enjoyed.
“In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
This orchestral hit was popular during the World War II era. As a result, it is often used as the background music for movies set in this time period.
“I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” by The Ink Spots
This romantic song was released in 1941. It includes the lines:
“I’ve lost all ambition for worldly acclaim
I just want to be the one you love
And with your admission that you feel the same.”
“Cool Water” by The Sons of the Pioneers
Perhaps you view your grandpa as an old cowboy. The Sons of the Pioneers were known for recording cowboy tunes starting in the late 1930s.
“Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is probably the most popular funeral song in the U.S. There are many excellent recorded versions. Which was your grandpa’s favorite?
“Grandpa Told Me So” by Kenny Chesney
Was there nothing that your grandpa didn’t know? This song celebrates this special relationship.
“If you don’t get in the water, you’re never gonna learn to swim
He said a snake is just as scared of you, as you are of him
He could tell by the moon when the fish would bite
Seems there was nothing that he didn’t know.”
“Barbed Wire Halo” by Aaron Watson
This song tells the story of Deacon Shackelford and his sweet Emma Grace. This song is about an adopted grandpa.
“Grandpa” by The Judds
This song begins:
“Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days
Sometimes it feels like this worlds gone crazy
Grandpa, take me back to yesterday
When the line between right and wrong
Didn’t seem so hazy.”
“My Grandfather’s Clock” by Johnny Cash
Is there some item that reminds you of your grandpa? This song tells the story of a clock that stops working as soon as the grandfather dies.
Remembering Grandpa on His Birthday
Other people may be missing your grandpa on his birthday as well. Reach out to your parents and siblings. Spend time doing something grandpa would enjoy. Share memories.
We often don't think about how important a person is in our lives until they are gone. Use the death of your grandpa to think about the people in your life who make a difference. Spend your grandpa's birthday telling others how much you care about them.
If you need more inspiration, read how to say "happy birthday in heaven" to another loved one.