Much Love
Written by cindi on November 20, 2007 – 7:29 pm -
My dear, sweet grandfather passed away on November 10, 2007. I am still in awe. I am also completely devastated because I was very much looking forward to seeing him on Thanksgiving. He went very peacefully at home with my lovely grandma and my parents by his side. He was an amazing person and I am a much better person because I had him as my grandpa.
When I was young and my mom had to return to working full-time, my grandpa was retired and would pick me up from school and take me to McDonalds or to his house and play with me until my parents were off work. He was my buddy and I loved hanging out with him. I always looked forward to the age where I could finally be the one to mow his lawn. Each week I would go up to their house and mow and grandpa would watch me and hold the bag for me to empty the grass trimmings. When the front lawn was done, we’d take a break and make lunch, always bean soup and tuna fish sandwiches, and visit on the back porch - then I’d finish up the backyard. My grandparents were at every single one of my piano recitals, dance competitions, and soccer games. I’ve spent nearly every Sunday night of my life at his house visiting with my family. I’ve spent nearly every summer going to our family cabin in Wyoming with my grandparents. His life was devoted to his family and we all loved him and respected him so much. These two wonderful people created such a large family! 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 28 (29 in January) great-grandchildren. At the funeral, my uncle nailed it on the head when he said that my grandpa had unconditional love for us all and made us all feel like we were his favorite, although I’m sure I definitely was.
I was lucky enough to find a reasonably priced flight and I headed home Wednesday for the viewing and funeral. My sweet grandma hasn’t been away from grandpa in the 67 years of their marriage, so I spent the first night with her and the 2nd night she came down and spent the night at my parents house. Last night was the first night she spent alone. I know that having my family so close to her makes her feel better - but I know she is so lonely and heartbroken.
The picture I posted is one from 2 summers ago at our cabin. I thought it was precious that they squeezed into a big chair together and held hands while my nieces and nephews put in a skit. How sweet is that?
I returned home late Friday night as I had already signed up and paid for my PADI Rescue Diver course with Lake Norman Scuba this past weekend. But I passed and am now ready to begin my Divemaster training on January 8th. Jason warned me that Rescue is the hardest class (he has already taken it). After Sunday, I can see why. I spent the day at a quarry in 60 degree water trying to search and rescue my instructor. I couldn’t even see 2 feet in front of my face due to the water being so merky and muddy. Thank goodness it’s over!
Jason bought our tickets and we’re heading to Belize on January 7th. I’ll let him update you all more about the rest of our itinerary later. I am exhausted…is 7:30 pm too early to go to bed?
Posted in Cindi, Family, Pre-trip | 1 Comment »