Today was my grandpap's funeral. I wrote a little something to read at the service... I didn't think I would get through it, but I did. It's about all the things that I will remember about him.
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This won't be fancy or complicated, because my grandpap wasn't either of those things.
I can tell you what he was.
He was a hard worker - early to bed and early to rise.
He was honest.
He was a worry wart.
He was a hammer collector.
He was a storyteller - even if it was the same story over and over again.
He was a dog's best friend - he always had biscuits tucked into his pocket for Wally. Maggie loved to sit on the back of his chair.
He was the owner of a nice head of hair, at least I always thought so, but maybe that's because Grandma cut it for him.
He was simple and he had simple joys in life.
He loved riding his tractor.
He loved going to his cabin on the mountain.
He liked to keep a fire going whether it was in the cabin until everyone was sweating or in the fireplace at the holidays. There had to be a fire going at Christmas.
He liked to sit on the swing under the big maple in the backyard with my grandma.
He loved to go to auction, and he liked to go early, though he rarely bid on anything.
He liked getting a brand new pair of slippers for Christmas, and then put them away to keep them nice while he kept wearing the old pair with duct tape wrapped around them.
If you were wearing sunglasses, he liked to called you "Hollywood".
Whenever no one was around he liked to tell my sister and I how much our dad loved us.
Because he liked to say what was on his mind.
He liked to go on picnics with fried chicken.
He liked ice tea with lots of ice in his big beat up plastic Pepsi cup.
A beautiful life can be one most simply lived.
Most of all I think one of grandpap's greatest joys was to be useful.
While he thought my sister and I hung the moon… in fact he thought we all did…. we know that it was only because he held the ladder for us.
I am not sad for grandpap because I know that he is with our Heavenly Father, but I am sad for us, because we will all miss him so much.
We were so blessed to have him.
this is lovely and brought tears to my eyes ... he sounds like a wonderful grandfather.
ReplyDeleteWow! That was wonderful. You were very fortunate to have such a great grandpap and I am sure he feels absolutely blessed to have had you and your sister. Hope the tears slowly stop and the wonderful memories of his hugs fill your day. Denise
ReplyDeleteAwww, J. That was beautifully written. It made me tear up. He sounds like a great man.
ReplyDeleteThat was really beautiful, thanks so much for sharing. Your blog has been one of my favorites for many years but I don't think I've ever commented til now. Anyway, peace and comfort to your and your family.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a sweet tribute. I feel like everything you said could be applied to my own grandfather. I just wish I could have articulated it for him as well as you have. Clearly you all were loved, and so was he.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet family to be a part of.
Very nice. My thoughts are with you in this time of grief. Be gentle with yourself and your loved ones while you heal.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. The part about him holding the ladder brought the water works. He sounds like an awesome grandpa! So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
ReplyDeletebrought tears to my eyes.
That's beautiful Jenny. I am so glad you knew him so well. I didn't know either of my grandfathers that well at all. I'll pray for your family. :(
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely Jenny. Hugs to you.
ReplyDelete--K
so lovely Jenny! Hope you are and your family are okay and are comforted by the memories.
ReplyDeleteHe's with you still!
xx
Blessed is right. It's so sweet you see it like that when unfortunately many can't. My condolences to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteIm sorry for your loss, but happy for you that you had a Grandfather that you loved. I was never lucky enough to meet either sets of my Grandparents. That was a beautiful eulogy.
ReplyDeletethis was beautiful. i'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThat was so beautifully written. I don't know your Grandpa, but I'll bet he was smiling down at you while you were reading this. I couldn't help but tear up. Lovely. Sorry for your loss. :(
ReplyDeleteThat was just *so* beautifully written. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandpap almost sounded like my grandpa ... he always wanted to be useful. I love the line about "holding the ladder." So perfect! (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteOh, that made me cry. Beautiful job Jenny.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most beautiful, sincere tributes I've ever read. Really bought a tear to my eye.
ReplyDeleteDo we have the same grandpa?? My Grandpa Chris did many of these things, too. I miss him deeply. Take the time you need to grieve. Many many hugs to you and your family. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed you got through reading this, you brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing. Warmest condolences to you and your family.
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