My Grandpa

After looking at my cousin Lindsey's blog about my Grandpa I couldn't help but post something too. Yesterday was my Grandpa's birthday (along with Lindsey's) and it really made me stop and think about him. I know I share this feeling with lots of you out there who have had wonderful grandparents and lost them. There is no relationship like the one you have with your Grandparents and as a child you never imagine that someday they won't be a part of your life. I can't remember a Christmas or birthday or any holiday for that matter that my Grandpa wasn't a part of. He was first to show up at just about every event and probably the happiest guy in the room. He loved all of us so much and got so much joy from being a part of our lives. He & my Grandma moved all the way to Houston from Amarillo just to be a part of our lives and I am so glad they did.

My Grandpa had the happiest, most cheerful smile you have ever seen. Everyone he met was his instant friend & he did not notice peoples flaws right away, but their strengths. He loved people and loved God and most of all he loved my Grandma. His true colors came out when he began taking care of my Grandma who suffered from Alzheimer's. He devoted himself 100% to her and was the exact picture of a Godly man and husband. He took his promise to her and to God very seriously and I have more respect for him that I can even express. It killed him a little every single day to watch the love of his life slip farther and farther away. However, as she became more and more distant he didn't hesitate for a second and got up every day and worked even harder than the day before. His heart was so full of love for his family and I still miss his voice, smiles, hugs, stories, jokes & just the wonderful feeling of "family" that I felt when I was around him.

You know you are in the presence of a special person when just a hug or smile from them gives you the feeling that everything is perfect in the world....even if it is just for a few minutes. I love you grandpa & I cannot wait to see you again someday in heaven. Things aren't the same without you....but it is a comfort to know you are with Jesus & most likely eating bowls of salty food with grandma and loving every minute!