Grandpa

Last weekend we got the call from my dad that Grandpa wasn't doing very well and that if we wanted to say our goodbye's that we might want to go to Kerkhoven that Sunday (April 1st). During the night he passed away. April is up at night a lot still and I had woken up to feed her and started praying. I remember thinking that if Grandpa was ready to go home, that it was ok and that while we would miss him it might be his time.

Amber and I still went on Sunday to be there for Grandma, dad and to see family. We looked at old pictures, spent some time in their house and attic and remembered all the good times with Grandpa. Growing up in Kerkhoven we had so many memories going to grandma and grandpa's house. I remember going on our bikes over there, we planted veggies in their garden, picked raspberries, I mowed their lawn, Amber and I had countless games of hide-and-seek, we played games, spent lots of time at the cabin, and always had a good time no matter what we did. Grandpa was the President of the bank before my dad was and when I went into banking it was fun to talk "business" with him.

The reviewal and funeral were hard.... but so many people came to pay their respects and shared their memories that it was a wonderful way to remember what an amazing man of God he was. He and grandma would do their devotions together every day and pray for all of us by name (sometimes I thought it got so long when we were there growing up, but I knew they did it every day). He had a great sense of humor and I can still remember the twinkle in his eye and his jokes he would play on us.

On Sunday when I was talking to Bethany about how great-grandpa hadn't been feeling good and explained that he was in heaven now with Jesus. A little while later she said "I'm so happy that great-grandpa is feeling better and is with Jesus now, aren't you mommy?" Yes, Bethany, mommy is so happy that Grandpa is with Jesus now. It was so amazing to see from her eyes and realize that everything she knew about Jesus was wonderful and that if great-grandpa was feeling better and got to be with Him, wasn't that great?

As the week came to a close and all the services were over, I started thinking about the song:
‎"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering ...
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy".

Grandpa's celebration of life was FILLED with stories of his legacy. I was so blessed to call him grandpa and watch him live his life consistently for the Lord. Thank you, Grandpa, and may those of us following in your example continue to carry the torch