Farewell, Grandpa...I will miss you!

I found out yesterday afternoon that my grandpa had just passed away in his sleep.  I do not know if it was another stroke, but I do know that he is no longer stuck in a world where, after Memorial Weekend, he could barely do anything for himself.

He had a stroke while he was doing one of the things he loved the most - a weekend of camping with the family, playing cards, and sitting around a campfire.  Even though my grandpa was quiet about his faith, he always made church a priority, and has left a very devout, steadfast, unwavering legacy of faith to his entire family.

My grandpa was one that could barely open a can of food until these last few years when he had complete care of my grandma as she was seemingly overnight stricken with Alzheimer's.  He cared for her, did laundry, and just really showed me his love for my grandma, insistent that she remain at home with him as long as possible.

It is bittersweet that my grandma has no clue that she has lost her husband of 70 years.  I am thankful that she is spared the pain and never had to see him as he was these last few weeks.

Grandpa, I will always remember your love for hunting and your dogs - especially Sassy.  Playing cards with you and painstakingly watching you deal one. card. at. a. time. I loved that every Saturday night growing up we would go to your house.    I can hear your voice in my head and some of the funny things that you said all the time, your laugh and playful, flirty nature - always a tease!  The first one at our campsite every Memorial Weekend, leaving when you were ready, even if people were planning to follow you up and meeting you at a specific time.  When you were ready, you weren't going to wait. :)  You were always one to see the value in things - not a hoarder, but you could fix almost anything - old bikes, lawn mowers, chain saws.  I always loved how easy going yet strong you were.  Unwavering, unquestioning - and no doubt we all knew what was on your mind and what your opinion was!  I loved that about you.  It was safe and predictable and strong.  And I suppose I get some (if not all!) of my stubbornness from you :) :)   I am so thankful that you have been such a huge part of my life all these years, especially since you were the only grandpa I ever had.

I am going to miss you so much, Grandpa, but I would never wish you back here.  You lived such an amazing, full, healthy life, surrounded by family, friends, and all the things you love.  You couldn't ask for anything better.