It's been a really hard week. My grandpa passed Tuesday evening after battling cancer for a little over a year. He was admitted to the hospital Thursday, and knowing it's coming really doesn't make it any easier. With family gathered so far away, Wisconsin hasn't been lonelier. But I'm so so grateful for the time we got to share with him just a few weeks ago and wouldn't trade it for the world. He was feeling pretty good and we got to do a lot of fun things and share stories and the girls, I'm sure, were shadows of 5, 4, and 2 year old me running around the house.Since we've been back every few days they bring up wanting to go to their house and visit again.
Grandpa's service is today and my aunt couldn't have said it better: "It can't go unsaid that my dad was, to say the least, was a great man! He represented many respected values such as integrity, faith, knowledge and good works. Although he grew up in poor circumstances he rose above and took charge of his destination and did great things with his life. My dad served his country with honor as a Marine Corp officer, engulfed himself in higher education earning his doctorate degree and created a loving family of 7 children. He had many accomplishments. Just to name a couple, he became a published author and a, many times over, marathon runner. But I have to say what I will remember him most for is the love he had for his family. It was unwavering."
So here's to the man that picked oranges with me, pulled me out of the deep end of the pool when I fell in, went on long walks to pick blackberries and talk, encouraged me to be smart, and taught me about heritage and family history and enjoying the simple things, like a really great piece of pie.
He had a knack for making you feel special and important. He confirmed me a member of the Church and after I was baptized he shook my hand and said, "I've never shaken the hand of a perfect person before!" He gave me a blessing before starting my first college semester and talked about integrity. He was always cheery and kind and generous. I can't say enough about how great he was or how much he'll be missed.
Easter was timely this year. Despite Easter's great message, Sunday was impossible for me to sit through. Ross is a nursery leader, so he cares for the 2-3 year olds during Sunday school. I ended up hiding in his class since I couldn't keep myself together and helped with the kids when I could. It gave me a lot to think about this week and this video summed it up pretty well. I'm grateful for forever families.
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