grandpa

Grandpa and Cale (Aug. 2008)

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my beloved Grandpa's death. Today my other beloved Grandpa passed away unexpectedly (we think he had a heart attack).

I don't really know what to say except that I just can't believe it. He was supposed to live forever. He was my last living grandparent and I really thought he'd live forever, or at least past 99...he was 89. Up until last August he was the hardest working man I've known. He farmed and boy did he take it seriously (but he knew how to have fun too...he snow skiied with us when he was in his 70's and he had a motorcycle too :)). This grandfather of mine, he had more energy than 10 teenagers combined. Yes, he DID! Then the accident happened in August 2010. A HUGE bale of hay fell on top of him. He was lucky to live through it. He was extremely banged up, but he rebounded fairly well (for an 88 year old), but never quite got back to his "normal" self. He never did go back to farming, but thankfully he did get to move back to the farm. He still had his sense of humor though...that is for sure. He always had this little sideways smirk that told you he was up to mischief even after the accident. Just minutes before his death he was joking around. That is how I will remember him.

Connor asked me tonight if I thought Grandpa would still be alive if he hadn't had the accident last year. I can't answer that, but what I do know is that God has it all planned out and His timing is always PERFECT. I won't sit around and second guess His timing. I am so thankful for the time that I got to spend with Grandpa because of the accident. I am thankful that he was brought here, a mere ten minute drive from our house (he was medi-flighted here because the accident happened in smalltown, USA and we happen to live in the big city). I, along with the boys, have many special memories of that unexpected gift of time with a grandfather we otherwise wouldn't have had the chance to see as frequently. For that I am eternally grateful. I have so many memories of visiting him with Cale (while Connor and Coby were still at school) while he was here in a rehabilitation center. Grandpa had so much fun spending time with Cale and I just smile when I think of the fun things grandpa did to get a giggle out of Cale. Those memories will last me a lifetime.

For today I'm thankful knowing that my grandpa has been reunited with grandma again after nearly 12 years. What a reunion they must be having tonight! Even better than that? I'll be seeing them both again one day. What a beautiful day that will be!

Goodbye for now Grandpa. I miss you already, but I'll be seeing you again.

Grandpa and Lincoln (Nov. 2007)