My Heart Broke

Valentine's Day my Grandfather passed away and my heart broke. His death was unexpected and happened within two weeks of losing another special Grandpa. I miss my Grandpa and have been taking it hour by hour. I have been finding comfort in believeing that Kirk's Grandpa helped him cross over. Both of our Granfather's meant a lot to each of us and will be terribly missed, but I know they're in a peaceful and happy place. I will not be able to attend my Grandfather's service which is going to be hard, but tonight I wrote a segment for one of the family member's to share about what my Grandfather taught me.

During my Grandfather’s life I learned several lessons; however, the one lesson that I learned from him was to be dedicated and persistent. I recall as a young child, my Grandfather going out to work out at the INEL. He called it the dessert. I remember that he did not miss many days of work, and I can also recall walking down to his bus stop and anxiously waiting for him to arrive and then I would walk home with him. I can also recall him taking care of his yard. He had a garden that he kept well maintained and in fact he would not allow any of us to dig up the carrots. However, if we were careful we were allowed to pick the green beans and then we would take them over to the red picnic table and snap them. Oh how I loved the taste of Grandpa’s green beans. I also recall when I was first married I had undergone eye surgery, and while everyone was at work and school I spent time at my Grandparents. I remember that year was a Presidential year and Grandpa would watch all of the debates. He was truly dedicated to his political beliefs and I do not think he missed many debates.

Now that I have my own family I can see how the two above values influenced my personal life. I can recall Grandpa sharing some of his Educational hardships with me, and after listening to his stories I had a desire to go school and earn my college degree, which he was able to attend my Graduation. Even though Grandpa did not hold a college degree I knew that he valued education. Grandpa always attended and supported many of my triumphs in life. He was also was there for many of my trials, and even if he could not physically be present I always knew that he cared about me. This was illustrated to me recently when I suffered a brain bleed in Seattle, Washington. When this occurred, I knew that it was not possible for Grandpa to come up and see me, and it was not possible for me to go to Idaho. This was and is still challenging for me; however I was told by my mother that Grandpa would always ask how I was doing? That was enough for me because I knew that he cared and thought about me often, and desired for me to get better. Grandpa’s desire is happening and I’m getting better week by week. I love my Grandpa and I’ll miss him. However, I know that he lives on in my Grandma, and that some day we will all be reunited together again.