Friday, August 3, 2012

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. 




15 comments:

  1. A great man who will definitely be missed!

    ReplyDelete
  2. sorry for you loss. I remember you being close to you Grandma I think you posted, I bet a couple years ago. I can't remember.

    I guess they are from your Dad's side, so my best to your Dad. I bet they were close. That will be tough on him I bet.

    ReplyDelete
  3. OH, I totally understand this - I am thinking of you all. He sounded like a great man, OF COURSE! Losing a grandparent is so hard - they are so special to us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry for your loss Beth. You and your family have our condolences.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Beth! I'm so sorry :( I suppose we're all getting to that age where we have to face this but it doesn't make it any easier.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Aww, Beth, I'm so sorry for your loss. It hits really close to home - my Pap passed away on July 12 under similar circumstances. It's so hard to lose special people, but we have lots of great memories, and will always carry them with us. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers... *hug*

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful tribute Beth! How lucky were you (and he and your grandmother)to be a part of each other's lives. The loss doesn't go away, but perhaps you will just appreciate the memories even more!! Next time you go to Kona - cuz you know you will - he will be smiling down at you!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh beth i am so sorry for your loss but your memorial to him was beautiful. Reading this brings tears to my eyes but joy for his reuniting with your grandmother. Hugs and prayers to you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sorry for your loss. He certainly sounds like a great man who was deeply loved by his family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beth, I've learned that people with faith see death differently than those that don't have a belief, and from your post, I know you have a good outlook on what it means to pass on. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Beth - I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing adventure it must have been the past two years in Kona with your family - he sounds wonderful. I'm thinking of you guys! xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beth:( I am so sorry for your loss, but what nice memories you have of your grandfather, and how special that he was with you at your wedding and Kona and obviously other day to day things. Hope you are doing ok, and your parents as well.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your Grandfather was a wonderful man. You have a beautiful outlook on his passing.

    ReplyDelete
  14. what a heartfelt tribute to your grandfather. love and thoughts with your family.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beth I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather. But what a nice tribute and what a great family. You are his legacy and your life reflects what he gave to you!

    ReplyDelete