Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Saying Goodbye


This week saw the passing of my Granddaddy. He has been sick with liver disease for awhile and was admitted into the hospital last week and died on Sunday. My only memories with him were happy ones, as I can't remember a time he was upset or unhappy. Granddaddy just always seemed so genuine. I think that is the lesson I take most with me from his life. He is one of the most genuine people I have ever know. He never cared what anyone thought but just tried to live his life right and treat others right. That genuine love, respect, acceptance and truth he gave everyone, is in my opinion, his legacy. I can definitely take a page from his life and try to remember that it doesn't matter what others think of me as long as I am living for God. That is something I struggle with daily and just seemed to come naturally to him.
Granddaddy was also so content! He always seemed absolutely happy and content with what he had, never seeming to look and yearn for something else, just was happy to have what was his. I think that is something so many of my generation struggle with and can learn so much from the older generation, including myself. His sweet presence filled with quiet life lessons will surely be missed as I didn't even realize what he was teaching me until it came time to reflect on his life. Isn't that just the way it is with so many things? Isn't it so sad that I didn't realize how much his quiet life lessons and presence resonated with me, so that I could have told him? I hope he knows!
Some of my favorite childhood memories involve his hugs. He gave the best hugs! He would completely wrap you up in his strong arms and lift you off the ground while swinging you around. It was a safe, secure place to be and so filled with the absolute certainty that this man thought I was so special. There just aren't many people in life that give you that kind of absolute acceptance and love! Some of the smells that bring back childhood are his too. He always smoked a pipe when I was growing up (he quit quite a few years ago). Now, whenever I smell a pipe, it brings back fond memories of times spent with him whenever we would visit.
I will surely miss my sweet Granddaddy and hope he know how much he meant to me and how much I love him. I am so glad his suffering has ended. I love you Granddaddy! God Bless you and Keep you!

5 comments:

Joy said...

What a special man! I am so sorry for your loss but thankful for the things that the Lord has revealed to you. Thank you for sharing such richness with us.

Aimee D said...

I'm so sorry about losing such a special man, but what awesome memories you are blessed with!

Jennifer said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather. Even though this was a sad post, it was also very positive and definitely a great reminder to make those memories while our family and friends are here, so we have something to hold onto when they are gone.

The Simpson Family said...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. You have been in my thoughts & prayers this week as I learned of his passing through Grammy. I love this post and how you have so many incredible memories with him and of him. Thanks for sharing!