Grandpa

I wasn't planning on writing another blog post so soon, but just a few hours after I created this blog I received news that my Grandpa had passed away. It still doesn't seem real. I keep thinking I will go down to San Diego and find him sitting in his chair watching TV. Living away from family is EXTREMELY difficult, especially at times like this. It makes it harder to grieve and find some closure. My entire childhood was full of wonderful memories of family gatherings at my Grandparent's house. We would literally get together for anything and everything. As many memories as I have at their house, I don't have many specifically with them. When my Grandma passed away 5 weeks ago, my cousin was in charge of getting memories together to share at her funeral. All of my cousins had amazing stories to share that directly involved my Grandma. Mine was more about playing with my cousins at her house because that is really all I could remember. It wasn't their fault, they gave all of us the opportunity to get to know them and spend quality time, it was mine because I didn't take it. It wasn't until I was married and had Reef and Hawk that I stopped taking my grandparents for granted. I truly wanted to build my own relationship with them. We would call each other , send letters and visit every chance we got when I was down in San Diego. They truly were some of my best friends. I got to learn how compassionate and loving they both are. They would do just about anything for anyone. I am extremely grateful that I was able to really get to know them, to really get to love them. I will miss them both deeply. Just last week my Dad was visiting with my Grandpa and he told my Dad that he was lonely. I truly believe he died of a broken heart. He spent the last 25 or so years taking care of my Grandma, being at her beck and call, serving her with all he had. I think when my Grandma passed Heavenly Father knew that my Grandpa's time was short as well and that he had served and loved with all of his might, mind and strength.

My brother sent us all this picture that was drawn my cousin Jessica after my Grandma passed away. It was sitting on the table next to where he was found. I don't know if it had been there the whole time or if he was looking at it, but I like to think he was at peace when he passed away. He is now with the absolute love is his life and his daughter.

I love you Grandpa! I look forward to the day that I get to be reunited with you and Grandma. Thank you for showing me what unconditional love is, for showing me how to serve others and for being a valiant servant of our Heavenly Father! I will miss you!