Granddaughter Captures Moving Final Words Between Grandparents Days Before Grandpa, 91, Dies (Exclusive)
Paul Lallier died on Nov. 2, surrounded by loved ones
Courtesy of Kasandra Lallier
Paul Lallier and his wife Meleda Lallier over the yearsKasandra Lallier always admired the relationship of her grandparents Paul Lallier and Meleda Lallier
Speaking to PEOPLE, Kasandra, 23, says her grandparents met at a small bar that Meleda's mother owned and where Paul worked as a bouncer. Eventually, they got married on May 28, 1955
On Oct. 30, 2024, Kasandra received a phone call from her older sister that her grandfather's health was deteriorating quickly. So, she went over to see him, where she captured on camera a sweet interaction between her grandparents
She posted the video on TikTok, where it's since gone viral, amassing more than 3.5 million views and 2,000 comments
Kasandra Lallier always admired her grandparents' relationship, from their love for each other to the sacrifices they made for their family.
Paul Lallier and his wife Meleda Lallier, 87, grew up in Quebec, Canada. Speaking to PEOPLE, Kasandra, 23, says her grandparents' love story began at a small bar that Meleda's mother owned and where Paul worked as a bouncer. Eventually, they got married on May 28, 1955. At the time, Melena was 18 and Paul was 21. "It was like love at first sight," Kasandra says.
Courtesy of Kasandra Lallier
Kasandra Lallier with her grandpa Paul Lallier and her familySome of Kasandra's best memories with her grandparents over the years include the summers they spent at their family's cottage in Canada. Whether she and her grandfather were out on the pontoon, tubing on the lake with all the cousins or gathering for family reunions, she remembers always being filled with love and laughter around him.
"Family dinners every week and weekend BBQs were traditions we all looked forward to, and he made every holiday, graduation, wedding and anniversary feel even more special," the Delray Beach, Fla., local adds.
"His birthday dinners were always full of joy, especially as he welcomed all his great-grandchildren. Family meant everything to him, and we were a close-knit group because of his example," she continues.
Courtesy of Kasandra Lallier
Meleda Lallier and Paul Lallier with their arms around each otherOn Oct. 30, 2024, around 10 a.m. Kasandra received a phone call from her older sister Bianca Lallier informing her that her grandfather's health was deteriorating quickly. When she arrived to their home, she noticed her grandfather was speaking more than usual.
At one point she saw her grandmother approaching him to talk. She thought it would be a nice gesture for her to have a video of the moment. So, she started recording, and to her surprise, he said, "I love you" to her, something Kasandra says she's noticed her grandma usually says first.
"Hearing him say it for the first time was an incredibly emotional moment," she says.
After Paul died on Nov. 2, Kasandra posted the video on TikTok, where it's since gone viral, amassing more than 3.5 million views and 2,000 comments. Reading through the comments, she was in awe of how many people noted how blessed her grandparents were to have such a beautiful, long life together.
"True love never dies. Thanks for the cry," one user comments.
"I hope I get that many years with my love 😭," another comment reads.
Someone else writes, "When she said “the best the best the best husband” 🥺🥺🥺🥺."
Courtesy of Kasandra Lallier
Paul Lallier and Meleda Lallier smiling together"I was truly surprised by the number of views and comments, but then I realized just how special that moment was and how rare it is to witness love like theirs," Kasandra says. "It made me feel incredibly happy knowing I could share a glimpse of the deep bond they had."
Looking back on her final moments with her grandpa, Kasandra recalls how they were spent gathered at his house, together as a family. They shared stories, laughed and cherished each other's company, soaking in every moment.
Courtesy of Kasandra Lallier
Paul Lallier and Meleda Lallier on their 69th wedding anniversary"We had one last glass of wine with him, raising a toast to him, my grandmother, and the beautiful life our family has built," she says. "It was heartbreaking, but also comforting, to be able to share those special moments. The conversations and memories from that time will stay with us forever, and none of us will ever forget them."
"This is proof that true love can withstand any challenge, that you should never give up, and that genuine love is always worth finding," she adds. "A relationship is not about how much you love each other at the beginning, but how much you’re willing to sacrifice and grow together in the long run."
