My dear Grandpa passed away last Wednesday...We knew the time was coming, but it was still a sad day. (We spent Thanksgiving at his home in Bountiful; and I was able to give him a hug and kiss and tell him good-bye). He was 88-years-old and such a healthy and spry man. He sprinkled flax on everything (and tried to do the same to all our food), believed soda pop was 'burp water' and ate more home-grown fruits and vegetables than any person I know.
We grandkids loved him for his sourdough waffles (known to us as 'orful worfles'), home-made fruit leather and singing the alphabit backwards. He was a man full of one-liners and always kept us chuckling about his responses to questions we'd ask him.
I found the saddest part of his passing to be that an end of an era had occurred....no more Christmases, Thanksgivings, river rafting trips, Easter campouts, tomatoes from his garden or rib-breaking bear hugs. However, what does make me smile is knowing he is now with my sweet Grandma who has been waiting for him for 12 years! What a happy reunion for them!
After attending his funeral on Monday I vowed to Chad that we are taking our kids camping more. We are ocassional campers, but I learned so many life lessons about my Grandpa and they all took place in the great outdoors. I believe a lot of character is built while 'roughing it.' Looking back on my own childhood some of the best times were when I was dirty, smoky and surrounded by family...I want my kids to grow up appreciating nature and loving the outdoors.
I love you Grandpa and will always remember the good times we had together! I look foward to a big bear hug someday!
19 comments:
I am so sorry about your Grandpa, Keysha, but what a wonderful tribute you just wrote for him! It brought tears to my eyes as I read it, remembering the impact my own grandmas and grandpas had on me. He has left a wonderful legacy for you all. We love you!
So sorry for your loss. He was quite a handsome man! If you ever want to go camping let us know. We're pros. :)
That was a great post. Thanksf or sharing your precious memories of your grandpa with us!
He was sure a cute little guy! :)
Love ya Keysha
Oh Keysha, I am so sorry to hear that. What a neat tribute to him, you are such a sweetheart! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a great reunion that must have been with his wife!
Beautiful. :) I'm glad you have such wonderful memories of him! He sounds like he would have been a wonderful person to know!
I enjoyed reading your post. I found yours right after I just finished writing mine. I was so sad I couldn't come back to Utah for the funeral. From what I've heard, it was really good.
What a legacy he has left you - and what a handsome man he was! How wonderful that you've been able to have so many years to make great memories with him. I've been thinking of you...
Sniffle, sniffle...what a cutie and what a great man. You have had a lot of memories with him and it looks like he has taught you a lot in what you want in a family. The Richards are always up for a good camping trip, we will have to plan a few this summer. I hope you are doing well and my thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family:)
Keysh
So sorry about your Grandpa, I think that it is so neat that you were so close to him. What a blessing for your children to have traditions past down from their great Grandfather, continue on in their lives. There is nothing better then Family.
It's been a while since I've been on your blog. First off, I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa. Thank goodness for the gospel! It makes all the difference at times like these. Second, you have such a darn cute little family!!!! you are so amazing and talented and your kids are adorable. I'm so glad we've kept in touch. Merry Christmas!
Oh, your're sweet, he was lucky to have you. Sounds like a wonderful man. I am assuming it was your mom's dad because they look alike. Death is never easy. Memories are all we have when its over. take care-
How sweet and tender. I'm sorry about your Grandpa. I've met him a few times and could tell he was such a sweet, good man. I hope your Mom is doing okay. It's hard to lose a Grandparent. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories with him.
Love you!
That was so nice Keysh. You guys are ALL such a neat family. Love you.
What a lovely tribute, how "Bittersweet" to live 88 healthy years.
Your Grandpa sounds like a great guy! Lot's of fun memories to remember him by. I'm sorry for your loss.
What a nice tribute keysha. Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. My grandma passed away a week ago(her funeral was Tues) Sad for us, but so happy to know they are in a wonderful place right now.
Sorry for your sadness, it's never easy to lose someone you love. Sounds like he was an amazing man who knew how to have fun....kind of like his granddaughter!
I am so sorry about your grandpa, he sounds like he was a great man. It is such a blessing to know that he has returned to live with our Father in Heaven and to be reunited with your grandma. His journey has just begun... My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Hi, it's been a while, I am sorry to hear about your grandpa. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Post a Comment