A Grandfather's Love

Grandfather, for those who have never had the pleasure to be introduced, was Jeremy's grandfather on his mother's side. Grandfather passed away on Friday morning after suffering a heart attack immediately followed by a car accident. Grandfather was 85 Years old this January.

What a wonderful man that I was fortunate to have had in my life! I can honestly say that Grandfather was more to me than just my husband's grandfther, but as close as my own. I have many fond memories of grandfather throughout the years I have known him: breakfast at the hole in one in Sun City West where grandfather would drink a little bit of tea mixed with his spoonsful of honey! The infamous yellow, red, and plaid pants that would be worn with multi-colored sweaters, the many refills of root beer given over Thursday evening dinners at Mom's house in Arizona, the remembrance of birthdays, anniversaries, and baptismal birthdays that were so important to grandfather.

Of the many memories I will carry with me, I will always remember the most important lesson that grandfather had ever taught me, the importance of love. Grandfather may have been stubborn in his ways at times, but everything he did or said were out of love and respect.

I never had the chance to meet Grandfather's wife Elsie (nana), however, I could see the unconditional love that Grandfather had for her throughout his life with and without her by his side. Everything Grandfather did in his life reflected the love and respect he had for his late wife. What an amazing man!

This weekend, Jeremy, Josh and myself drove to New York to meet the rest of the family for the funeral. We arrived Saturday afternoon just in time to change for the first viewing. Three hours on Saturday, and two separate 2 hour viewings on Sunday were held for Grandfather. As a New York state attorney and Judge Grandfather was love and respected by many. On Monday, the funeral took place at the very same Church in which Grandfather was baptized at only 9 days old. The services were beautiful, and the turnout was amazing.

I just want to close my post with a paraphrased statement that sums up the circle of life, this statement was given to me by 8 year old Emily:

"We are all born with angels inside of us. When we turn 100 years old we die. Our angels go up to Heaven to be with Jesus, leaving our body behind. Since we are a treasure to our family, our family buries our treasure on Earth in a treasure box. We will never get to see that person again until we are 100 years old and die too."

Love, Honor, and respect,

Grandfather you will be greatly missed