A Tribute

My grandfather passed away yesterday unexpectedly; I was just with him a week ago. My grandmother passed away a week earlier, six years ago. My grandparents mean a lot to me and are a big part of who I am today. The Bible talks about living by example and that is exactly what they have done.

Both of my grandparents had a grade school education--yes grade school; but they were both life long learners.

My grandmother liked to read and was always learning new things. There was never a time that she wasn't learning. My grandfather was a truck driver and wasn't home a lot. She chose to fill her time by sewing, crocheting, gardening, ceramics, cooking, candy making, candle making, canning, and at one time had birds for a hobby. The list goes on; by example she has shown me there is no reason for your hands to be idle. There is too much to do and learn.

She always cared about how she looked; her nails were always done, make-up on, hair fixed, and liked nice things. This sounds trivial but it has shown me that you should care about the little things; that you are important enough as a person to love yourself.

Family was very important to my grandmother; and her house was the gathering place during her lifetime. Her focus was always on others; and that included doing for other people. She stayed in touch with the neighbors around her, so growing up I literally interacted with the whole block--we knew each other.

My grandfather was a self-taught man and extremely intelligent. He started out in life with nothing and worked hard; owning his own trucking company for a living. He was a wonderful provider for his family. My father was a tool maker and growing up money was tight; especially during times he was on strike. My grandfather bought our first swing set, bought our bikes growing up, new school clothes and supplies every September, new Easter clothes, anything that came up he provided for. This has shown me that you should love with an open hand; not giving hand-outs, but giving someone a hand.

He was an encourager; never wanting me to settle. Always trying to get me to push myself a little farther; because that makes a better person. I talked to him about everything and his advice was forthcoming. He gave his time, loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. My grandfather was silly around the kids and they loved him.

Both of my grandparents were good examples of how to handle sickness. When my grandmother was dying of lung cancer; her main thought was of her family. She didn't want them to suffer and up until the end that is what she was concerned about. My grandfather's biggest fear was the nursing home; when time came two years ago, he handled it with grace. Knowing the pain it was putting his children through, he tried to make it easier for them. His attitude was an example of thinking of others and not dwelling on yourself.

There is a book by Simple Truth called The Dash. The concept being it's not the dates of one's life that are important, it's the dash that separates that counts. The life you live in between being born and dying is what really matters.

I was loved unconditionally, always made to feel special, everything in my life was celebrated like I was royalty. I'm going to miss it, although it will never leave me. My prayer is that by their example I pass it on to my own family.