Last Saturday morning -- the 14th-- was a rainy day. I was so thankful for the rain, because it meant soccer was canceled for the day and I had a day to clean out bedrooms, start organizing and getting ready for bringing new kiddos home. Somewhere in the mid-morning, in the midst of boxes, donation items and dust bunnies, my mom called on my cell phone. I missed the call but heard the ring. So I called back and was totally unprepared for the words I heard.
My grandpa died. He was the most healthy, active, on-the-go 88 year old guy I have ever known :). He had just bought a brand new Chevrolet and had plans for it over the summer. He was VERY active in his local VFW chapter, loved his church, pastor and the morning Sunday School class. My grandpa lived John 10:10-- he knew how to live life to the fullest. Even right up until he fell asleep in his chair on Friday night and walked off into heaven by Saturday morning. My grandpa-- WWII medic officer to the Pacific Front (bronze star recipient for heroic service), high-school ag education teacher and major promoter of local area ag education, successful farmer, adoring husband, strong father, AMAZING Grandpa and Great-Grandpa... now walks with Jesus, and his Lucille :)
Our family is maybe just now beginning to stand up again. Barely. Maybe the shock is over--maybe. The outpouring of love for Grandpa was overwhelming, though not unexpected. He was well known and well loved. I know that I must be the most blessed woman on the face of the earth. The Good Lord chose to put me in a family with multiple strong, honorable, God-fearing, courageous men... my grandfather, father, brother... and then He topped it all off by giving my my husband. Who am I, that I should be so loved, so spoiled, so cherished?
God, grant me the strength to live in the grace and carry on the legacy of full-life which Grandpa knew and walked out so well. Amen.
PS... I have been trying to upload pictures, but not successful-- I think because of my connection at the beach... so look forward to tons of great Grandpa pics!!
3 comments:
Your grandpa sounds like a wonderful, godly man! I know you will miss him. I'm so sorry for your loss, but glad to know that he is with Jesus!
Love you! Susan
Brings tears to my eyes to think of your Grandpa with his Jesus and his Lucille. Wow!
Hard to let go of those we love. I love that you had the gift of strong men in your life...that's what we are working so hard to shape, isn't it?
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