My Aunt ViKi, Grandpa, and me - taken April 2014.
I lost my grandpa last night. He has been here for 91 years. It is amazing to me that there has been so much variety of experiences in his lifetime. His life began as a child with horse and buggy and the old Model T Ford just coming out. He worked in the coal mines, as a shoe/boot repairman, other things, and later for Thiokol which was a government company that helped build the space shuttle. Horse and buggy to space to modern technology is quite a lifetime of change. He quit school at age 17 and lied about his age so he could join the Navy. His ship, the U.S.S. Enterprise, was in the Pacific during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, but was not in the harbor. Because he was so young when he joined, he is one, if not the very last, of his crewman to leave this earth. At age 91 he was still pretty spry. He walked into the temple on his own this past May to attend my daughter's wedding.
I am proud to share his blood in my veins and some of his characteristics and many wonderful memories. I know, without a doubt, that he has loved ones on the other side welcoming him with open arms. They are likely having a grand reunion. While I am not ready to leave this earth, he and my other grandpa as well as my Great Grandmother will be among the first that I will be anxious to see once I do leave. I am lucky to still have both of my grandmothers here.
Life is good and I am doing well. It was important for me to share some of my beliefs regarding death and a life beyond it with a loving God whom I refer to as my Father in Heaven. I also know that our brother, Jesus Christ, is there too with outstretched arms of love. Families mean everything to me and they can be together forever. This I know and desire to share.
FYI, this Grandpa comes through the same line as Dorinda of whom this blog is named after.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteWell I know for sure your Grandpa was loved. Loved reading your tribute to him. My Mom is 94 and of course from the same generation. Most seem to be strong and determined. I know your'll miss him. Gentle hugs!
ReplyDeleteYour Grandpa sounds like a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for you and your family. My grandpa served on the enterprise in wwii also. Truly was the greatest generation.
ReplyDeleteI truly feel for your loss. I lost my dad recently and am watching dementia take my grandmother. One of life's cruel twists is seeing those we love go.
ReplyDeleteYou were lucky to have a grandfather in your life and he sounds like he had a wonderful long life too. I never even knew my grandfathers as one had died before I was born and the other shortly after I was born. I never really knew my grandmothers either as we moved away from where they lived when I was a toddler. Hugs to you Deana.
ReplyDeleteDeana's grandpa was my uncle, and I can truly say that her tribute to him is 100% accurate. I am sure each of his grandchildren could echo those same sentiments, as well as all of his nieces and nephews. He was a favorite in many ways. He always had a twinkle in his eye and you just could see the wheels turning in his mind, coming up with some remark to make you laugh. I will always remember his last remarks to me 3 months ago at my mother's 90th birthday party. We were having a program and my brother had put the microphone down for a moment, when my autistic grandson grabbed it and started to say something. I jumped up to get him. After the program, Uncle said, "I was thinking that you were getting old, but I have changed my mind after the way you jumped up and ran after that young 'un" His eyes were twinkling and he had his famous smile on his face. He will be missed!
ReplyDelete*hugs* There's nothing that can be said but I'm here if you need to talk.
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