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AKA the GREATEST Grandpa and possibly man, EVER!
I have been putting this post off, because I was going to wait to scan in some photos of him from my childhood, but I left them in Thatcher (after I pulled them out of albums of course...sorry mom). then it got close to the 4th of July and I was crazy busy with ward party stuff, more on that in another blog. Anyway, here are some things about my Grandpa.
My Grandpapa, is probably my favorite person of all time (excluding Matt of course). If you don't count my spouse and children, I can't imagine loving or respecting anyone more than I do my Grandpa. Growing up with a single mom, my Grandpa really filled the role of a Father in my life. He did all the Daddy daughter stuff, and also baptised me and witnessed as my wedding. Growing up he was really the only preisthood holder around for me. He was the best example I could have had. He really is the reason I am who I am today. He showed me how to work hard. How to serve QUIETLY. And of course how to make funny comments under my breath! :) His sense of humor and wit were QUICK. And I don't think I was ever around him without smiling and laughing a little. He was a mostly quiet man, but when he did say something it was either funny, or meaningful. He taught me how to be happy. That might sound weird, but growing up, I wasn't surrounded by many happy adults. Except my grandpa. Just that contrabution would have been enough, but he was so much more. Unlike so many people today, my grandpa wasn't afraid of just being ordinary. He never wanted to be in the spotlight or be recognized. But his quiet, humble, ability to be completely honest, hardworking and kind made him extraordinary. Both of my grandparents are the kind of people who are constantly doing things for other people. The amount of selfless service they have given to others throughout their lifetime is unfathomable to me. And most of it people would never know about, unless you caught them in the act. I will always strive to be more like them when it comes to working hard for other people sakes.
I could go on and on. Like I said the kind of love I feel for my Grandpa is unprecidented by any of my other relationships. I would say like some people are from birth "Daddy's Girls" I am and have been a Grandpa's Girl. No one has ever made me feel as special or as loved as my Grandpa has. I miss him more than I can say. I will miss silently sitting beside him in a crowd of people, knowing that we both feel uncomfortable, but glad to be together. I will miss nose kisses and couch snuggles, walks to texas, knowing winks and glances, good advice, loving hugs and smiles, funny phrases, silly jokes and unwaivering support and love. His presence being gone is like the sun has hidden behind the clouds. I know that he is glad to be rid of his decaying body, which became such a burden to him. And I am happy that he is no longer suffering. I know that it was the right time. But I was unprepared for the pain I feel. I thought that because I knew it was right and because of my faith that I will see him again, my pain would somehow be dulled. It is not. I have dealt with loss before, from grandparents and other relatives to young friends. But I have never experienced this kind of grief. He was the only stable rock in my life as a child and like I said before, his presence and example and influence GREATLY shaped the person I am. And it continues to. I don't think I have ever known a better man. He was not perfect, but he was GOOD to the core. Truly. He brought me so much happiness and love and laughter and tender moments. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA.
I have been putting this post off, because I was going to wait to scan in some photos of him from my childhood, but I left them in Thatcher (after I pulled them out of albums of course...sorry mom). then it got close to the 4th of July and I was crazy busy with ward party stuff, more on that in another blog. Anyway, here are some things about my Grandpa.
My Grandpapa, is probably my favorite person of all time (excluding Matt of course). If you don't count my spouse and children, I can't imagine loving or respecting anyone more than I do my Grandpa. Growing up with a single mom, my Grandpa really filled the role of a Father in my life. He did all the Daddy daughter stuff, and also baptised me and witnessed as my wedding. Growing up he was really the only preisthood holder around for me. He was the best example I could have had. He really is the reason I am who I am today. He showed me how to work hard. How to serve QUIETLY. And of course how to make funny comments under my breath! :) His sense of humor and wit were QUICK. And I don't think I was ever around him without smiling and laughing a little. He was a mostly quiet man, but when he did say something it was either funny, or meaningful. He taught me how to be happy. That might sound weird, but growing up, I wasn't surrounded by many happy adults. Except my grandpa. Just that contrabution would have been enough, but he was so much more. Unlike so many people today, my grandpa wasn't afraid of just being ordinary. He never wanted to be in the spotlight or be recognized. But his quiet, humble, ability to be completely honest, hardworking and kind made him extraordinary. Both of my grandparents are the kind of people who are constantly doing things for other people. The amount of selfless service they have given to others throughout their lifetime is unfathomable to me. And most of it people would never know about, unless you caught them in the act. I will always strive to be more like them when it comes to working hard for other people sakes.
I could go on and on. Like I said the kind of love I feel for my Grandpa is unprecidented by any of my other relationships. I would say like some people are from birth "Daddy's Girls" I am and have been a Grandpa's Girl. No one has ever made me feel as special or as loved as my Grandpa has. I miss him more than I can say. I will miss silently sitting beside him in a crowd of people, knowing that we both feel uncomfortable, but glad to be together. I will miss nose kisses and couch snuggles, walks to texas, knowing winks and glances, good advice, loving hugs and smiles, funny phrases, silly jokes and unwaivering support and love. His presence being gone is like the sun has hidden behind the clouds. I know that he is glad to be rid of his decaying body, which became such a burden to him. And I am happy that he is no longer suffering. I know that it was the right time. But I was unprepared for the pain I feel. I thought that because I knew it was right and because of my faith that I will see him again, my pain would somehow be dulled. It is not. I have dealt with loss before, from grandparents and other relatives to young friends. But I have never experienced this kind of grief. He was the only stable rock in my life as a child and like I said before, his presence and example and influence GREATLY shaped the person I am. And it continues to. I don't think I have ever known a better man. He was not perfect, but he was GOOD to the core. Truly. He brought me so much happiness and love and laughter and tender moments. I LOVE YOU GRANDPA.
With my sisters and I, he was the GREATEST tickler of all time! (I am the baby)
Our Wedding Day
With My mom
With Lily
With Izzie
In the Navy 1943
6 comments:
That first picture is so striking, it nearly caught me off-guard when I first opened your post. It's his eyes. His eyes are (for the lack of another, less cliched term) beautiful. They let you know that everything you said about him being good to the core is absolutely true. I could tell before I read a word.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your dear grandpa. You know, some men fulfill the measure of their creation in being a grandfather. I am married to one, and it sounds like your Grandpapa was the same kind of man.
It took me a long time to appreciate what a good man he really was. When I was 16 he was the dumbest man on the planet. When I was 21 I was amazed by how much he had learned in 5 years.
That was a really sweet description of someone you obviously loved very much. Thanks for sharing that.
Jenn you work so hard at everything you do!! I can't believe that you put all those posters together, they look great!! That's such a good quality to have that you are reliable! That was such a sweet tribute about your grandpa too. Jeff's grandpa just passed away and the funeral was soooooo sad!! Can we hang out soon please??? :) I heart you!
I know I'm a little late, but thanks for posting this, Jenn. It's much appreciated.
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