Grandpa, You Will Be Missed

My Grandpa passed away late Thursday night. He had been struggling for quite some time.

I was fortunate to have a Grandpa that was very active in my life. Growing up my grandparents lived a short distance from us and they would make the trip to visit quite often. They always made an effort to be at school functions, church plays, birthday parties, etc. When we had off from school we would go visit them since they lived a few blocks from the beach!!! They lived off of a canal and I have fond memories of Grandpa taking us in his boat for many fishing trips. Sometimes he would take us out to just go on a picnic in the boat!!!!! He was the one who taught me how to float on my back.... in the ocean of course:) He loved floating on his back and would take my sister and I way far out (farther than our parents would ever let us go) when we would go to the beach. I look back now and am amazed at how we had no fear of the ocean back then. There is no way you could get me to go that far out these days.... way too many SHARKS for me:)

This past week has been difficult. I was at the hospital every minute I could be, and seeing him suffer during the last few days has not been easy. I have seen him go through many phases of life the past several years. He enjoyed life and I am so thankful for the impact he has made on mine.

Unfortunately, Grandpa was not able to make it to our wedding in December. I am thankful that Chad and I both have several memories of the times we were able to have with him. He has brought many good laughs to us and they will not be forgotten. Chad can tell you all kinds of crazy stories of the times we spent together!!

Our family is still in the process of contacting loved ones and making arrangements for his memorial. Please continue to keep us in your prayers, especially my grandma. They have been married for many many years and I know this has to be an extremely hard time for her.