The Fondest Memories

On May 12th, our family received a devastating blow; my grandfather had passed away.  It was very quick and mostly painless; this was the way he wanted to leave the world.

The picture of the rainbow was taken on May 12th as I was driving back home.  This is how I pictured him leaving the world and entering heaven.  It would be a slow and steady rise.  If there were any signs along the way, he read them in entirety.  I know his many beloved cats and dogs were waiting excitedly to sit in his lap and feel his gentle touch again.

Grandpa was a deeply religious man.  He knew his God and had a personal relationship with Him.  Grandpa was the leader of our family blessings before meals.

He was a family man.  He was proud of each and every member of the family.  I think he was the happiest surrounded by his family.  He always wanted everyone to follow their dreams.  He offered quiet support that never wavered, even when our resolve about the right choice did.

Grandpa was always expanding his knowledge.  There are many pictures where Grandpa is holding a book.  He would read for pleasure - mostly science fiction.  Although, I'm not sure Grandpa ever met a book he didn't like.  He researched his purchases.  He would read every sign and posting when he went to a museum. He read the newspaper from front to back each day.  Reading was how he kept his "mind sharp."

Grandpa believed in service to others.  He built his career off of this belief in the National Park Service.  He believed that natural resources should be preserved for upcoming generations.  He spent countless hours in his churches doing the books and keeping the business office organized.  He happily gave to others.

This was my meager attempt to pay homage to a simple man that led our family with grace and strength.  He will be missed.  He has left his mark on the world and will not be forgotten.

"The Lord is my shepherd.  I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.  Even thought I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
~ Psalm 23:1-6

My Soap Box

I am seeing more and more just how fragile life is. It can be broken so easily, usually by some of the most mundane daily tasks. Live life to the fullest and appreciate each and every day because you never know when it will be taken away.

I think everyone needs to have a heart to heart talk with their ENTIRE family to make a living will. Express what your wishes are and be very specific. Do you want to be on a machine breathing for you? Do you want to have a tube placed to keep your body to feed you while you are unconscious? Think of every possible situation and talk about your wishes and write them down. And families, please be brave enough to uphold your loved one's wishes. It's hard, but this is the final show of respect you can give them.

One more thing to think about. Please consider being an organ donor. This one choice can save at least 15 lives. Lives that are impacted by one checkmark on your driver's license form. 15 people given another chance to live their lives as normally as they can. The chance for them to walk their daughter down the aisle, to see their grandchild born, or the chance to see their son graduate from high school. That is one powerful checkmark!

Ok, I'm stepping off the box now. Have a great weekend all!