Pappap

This morning my grandfather passed away.  Today is very close to being 4 years from the day my grandmother, his beloved wife, passed away in 2008.  I will miss him (and still miss her) very much.

I have many wonderful memories of my grandfather.  He was a very hard working man and I like to think that I have his "work ethic" genes running in my blood.  I could sure use them.  He and my grandmother ran a very successful home-building business for many years.  He and my father built the home that we lived in when I was growing up.  In fact the home that Oscar and I live in now was rewired by my grandfather and my dad when we first moved in 7 years ago. 

My grandfather had been sick and not quite able to do the things he enjoyed most lately, like working in his garden or sitting out on his porch drinking a cold beer.  I think today he decided it was time to go be with Grandma again.  Although I'm infinitely sad for the loss our family feels, I'm also infinitely happy that my grandfather is now reunited in heaven with my grandma.  I know he missed her so much.  And although I don't know what heaven is like, I do know this: it's better than anything you or I could ever imagine. 

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.  Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."   1 Corinthians 15: 54-57

One thing that makes me so happy is the fact that my grandfather was well enough to go to Hawaii with my family and I the past 2 years when I raced in Kona.  I think it was a trip he really enjoyed.  After the first year we went, every time I talked with him he would ask when we were going again.  :)

My grandfather (in purple), dad and I at Lava Java!  :)

Who doesn't love a luau?

And just one more, a picture of my grandparents and Oscar and I on our wedding day.  We miss you guys!  May you both rest in peace and enjoy eternity together.