I really wish this post was one of those incredible post that everyone refers and loves but, life just isn’t at that point yet.
My grandpa’s funeral was today. I’m 2000 miles away and wish I could be there. I’m just glad I got to see him not very long ago. I wrote up a little something to be read aloud at the service.
Wanna read it:
My grandfather. I could tell tales of how he made people laugh. Or how he loved his family. But instead of repeating stories that we all know by the outward actions of my grandpa, I will tell of how he helped raise me from 2000 miles away.
Growing up grandpa was never one of those mysterious characters that was occasionally involved in my life. I can recall years and years of phone calls weekly where he would ask to speak to me on the phone. It might have been a simple “How are things?” or “How’s school going?” But even in the simple questions, he chose to be involved in my life. Where it would be easy for someone to get caught up in the momentum that is life, and get too busy to be involved. He made sure to keep up with his family, and let them know that he loved them and was praying constantly for them.
I will never forget when my grandpa’s oldest son (my uncle Dale) passed away. The first words out of his mouth when he received the news were, “Well, praise the Lord.” Can you imagine that? My grandpa’s first born child just passed away and he praises the Lord? That should tell you all that you need to know about my Grandpa. He praised the Lord. He was righteous. He LIVED his message. He was a man after God’s own heart. Even up until his last days, he was sharing the Good news of Christ. He fumbled in his words, his memory was fading, but he still praised the Lord for his time here, and was blessed with many opportunities to share Truth.
This was how my Grandfather raised me from 2000 miles away. He showed me how a man lives for God. During the most difficult times of both his wife and son passing away, He praised God. It is because of him that I know the power of prayer. And, it is because of him that I know how a man of faith LIVES.
And since we’re on the topic of grandpa’s, Amy’s grandfather isn’t doing well. In fact it’s only a matter of time. For awhile there we thought we were going to lose 2 grandpas in 24 hours.
Sorry for the depressing post. Here’s some good news; I pay off my credit card this Friday. It’s the last payment, then that baby will be at $0 balance.
Here keep yourself busy: My high score so far is 1999!
That’s a good post about grandpa. It’s funny how similar our stories were about grandpa, considering neither one of us talked to each other about it, before we wrote them up. I’ll forward you mine sometime.
I wondered about your response “Praise the Lord” to me when I asked you about your grandfathers passing, now I know. Sounds like he was a great guy!
PS. I got 2466
It’s hard to think of anything to see when you read/hear about the loss of one of your friends most esteemed family members/friends, you know? Words just don’t really summarize everything that’s in your head. I’m sorry to hear about your Grandpa, but it sounds as if you are in some ways grateful that he’s finally able to meet God in Heaven…
And, on a separate note, you really have a knack for finding the most adictive games out there. But maybe it’s the ditched preacher in me, but I can’t help think about the message of the game. One thing, one life starts a chain reaction that lights up the lives of so many others. I hope your Grandfather’s life, and the change he made in you, has an equally lasting impact…with a highscore greater than 1812 (which is mine)
When children are born people tend to think that they are a gift for the adults. They are, but children are also blessed with the gifts of loving parents and grandparents. You and Cara have been set an example of what Jesus looks like in the flesh. You(we) have been blessed by the presence of your grandfather. He will be missed, but I’m thankful for the path that he paved for us to follow.
Blessings,
Scott