Grandpa

On March 6, my grandfather passed away.  He was 99 years old.  For the past few months he had slowly been going downhill and I had come to peace that his time was getting short.

Although his passing was hard, I really tried to focus on all the memories I have of him rather than the sorrow currently felt.

• He was constantly telling a story about his childhood.  He'd tell the same story over and over again mostly for the lesson embedded within.  Sometimes it just took awhile for that lesson to set in :)
• He loved his sweets.  Cookies, cookies, cookies.  But he always shared!
• His favorite thing to do was talk about the farm and would ALWAYS ask "what the word was".
• He loved westerns and could usually be found with a good book in his hand.
• He lived in flannel shirts and overalls. Oh and that straw hat.
• He was as stubborn as they come but in that good way where he always got his way with a quick smile. 
• His smile.  I got my dimples from him.
• He was a great mentor.  Teaching my dad and then my brother and I the ins and outs of the farm.
• He would spend hours walking the pasture.  
• He would always show up hours early when we'd ask his help and stay hours later even when we didn't ask.
• He was an avid poker player and carried around a tub of pennies just in case someone wanted to get a game going. 
• He knew the meaning of hard work.
• He had so much practical knowledge despite his little schooling.

I'm so thankful for the many years I had my grandpa in my life.  I am so thankful that he was able to be at my high school performances and graduation.  I am so thankful that he was at my wedding.  I am so thankful that he got to meet Mara.  He lived a long life and I am so proud to have known him.