Grandpa

Note: I started this post several weeks ago, but am just now deciding to publish it. I was hoping to come up with more to say, or better ways to express my thoughts. I've decided to just publish it now, and let it be. Grandpa, I love you!

I'm about a week late on this post, I just haven't been able to come up with the right words. A week ago I got the email from my mom letting us all know that Grandpa had just passed away. We knew it was coming. He'd been to the hospital a few times recently, had been having mini strokes, and was having other health problems as well. The doctors had just told my aunt and uncle that there wasn't anything else they could do for Grandpa and that he had about a week left. Grandpa asked to be taken home so he could die at home with his family rather than in a hospital. He did just that. 

Emma and I went up to Utah for the funeral and I am so glad we did. 25 of Grandpa's 28 grandchildren were there, and so were a decent amount of his great-grandkids. I got to see all of my siblings, two of their spouses, and one of my nephews. Many tears were shed, but there was also lots of laughter. We talked about our favorite memories of Grandpa, and made our own memories together. Extended family is the best!

Here is Grandpa when he was fairly young. I love this photo.

 And I don't know when this picture was taken, but this is the way I remember Grandpa looking!

I hadn't seen Grandpa since Christmas 2009, which is far too long. I know that when I saw him last we played several rounds of Hand and Foot, which I think is the only game I remember ever playing with him and Grandma.

One of the first thoughts of Grandpa that came to me after he passed away was his pocket protectors. He always wore button-up shirts that had a pocket, and always always always wore a pocket protector. In his pocket protector he always had a black plastic comb (I remember combing his hair as a little girl) and a plastic toothpick.

Grandpa was always interested in helping fix things. I remember one time when he came to visit us and he went up the street to our neighbor Gail's house to help her fix some things. I don't remember what he fixed, but she was grateful to have some help!

Grandpa was also often very generous. When Chris and I got engaged and Mom was coming up to Utah to help me go dress shopping, Grandpa stopped by Mom's place and dropped off a check to help cover my wedding dress. It turned out that the dress I wanted was on clearance because they only had one or two left and were trying to clear the racks to make room for more dresses. We still had leftover money from Grandpa, so Mom and I went and got some accessories. I love the pearl earrings and necklace that we picked out. I think of Grandpa each time I wear or see them. I am grateful to have that lasting memory of Grandpa. I wore the earrings to his funeral. My little piece of Grandpa that I can take with me everywhere.

I can't wait til the day I get to see you again, Grandpa! I love you!