In Memory of My Grandfather: 1/17/1922-5/16/2009
May 16th 2009 10:01
It is difficult to know exactly how to best describe the man that my Grandfather was. Because, he was like no other man I've ever encountered.
He was a man who spent every moment of his life in service of others. He was a school teacher in a one room school house. He served his Country in World War II. He entered Seminary, and became a Reverend to nurture people's souls and spirits. He was a husband who loved his wife and provided for her until the day he died. He was a father of three who loved unconditionally. He was a Grandfather.
My Grandfather. The man who baptized me. The man who would take me out into his garden where the plants towered over my head and we would eat peas, right from the pod. He loved his garden and he loved flowers. He used to have these Tiger Lilies that bloomed along the side of the house that were as tall as giants. To this day, my favorite flower is the Tiger Lily, because they remind me of those wonderful summers at the parsonage where he lived in service of his congregation nearby.
My Grandpa was a man who loved. He loved history. He was a scholar. He could tell you anything about everything. He loved the outdoors and camping and fishing. He loved birds. I bought him an Audubon Society clock that made a different bird call with every hour. When the batteries wore down, the birds stopped chirping, and he'd tell people that they wouldn't start again until I came over to fix it. He never let anyone else reset that clock until I came around, even though I lived over 300 miles away. I'd get there and reset the time and put in new batteries, and he'd tell people that I made the birds sing.
He loved to sing. He sang all the time. He loved polka and Irish folk music and gospel music and Johnny Cash. When he wasn't singing, he was whistling and slapping his knee to the beat. Sometimes he would even do a little jig. He was always happy. I never once saw him in a bad mood. Not once. He loved to play cards and Scrabble. He was so smart. He'd have that Scrabble dictionary at the ready, and he played to win.
He loved his Country. He was an eternal optimist. He loved people. He wanted to know everyone's history. He didn't pass judgment on anyone no matter what they did or said. He took care of people. Even after he'd retired from the ministry, he still would drive miles and miles to some church in the middle of no where to preach if the pastor was unable to make it. For years, he would go to the hospital and visit people who were unable to attend services themselves.
My Grandmother lost most of her vision and hearing, and he attended to her night and day as long as he was able. He had sweet little pet names for her, and when she would get nervous or anxious, he'd tease her until she laughed. He delivered my wedding vows. I wish I'd been able to give him a Great Grandchild to baptize.
I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be half the person that he was. He died peacefully a few hours ago, knowing he was going to Heaven. I often fall short of what he knew I could be, but he always loved me. And now I know he is no longer suffering. He's still with me. He always will be.
He was a beautiful light in this world of bitterness and pain. And I don't know if the birds are going to sing again. At least not for a while.
He was a man who spent every moment of his life in service of others. He was a school teacher in a one room school house. He served his Country in World War II. He entered Seminary, and became a Reverend to nurture people's souls and spirits. He was a husband who loved his wife and provided for her until the day he died. He was a father of three who loved unconditionally. He was a Grandfather.
The Reverend on his Ordination Day
My Grandfather. The man who baptized me. The man who would take me out into his garden where the plants towered over my head and we would eat peas, right from the pod. He loved his garden and he loved flowers. He used to have these Tiger Lilies that bloomed along the side of the house that were as tall as giants. To this day, my favorite flower is the Tiger Lily, because they remind me of those wonderful summers at the parsonage where he lived in service of his congregation nearby.
My Grandpa was a man who loved. He loved history. He was a scholar. He could tell you anything about everything. He loved the outdoors and camping and fishing. He loved birds. I bought him an Audubon Society clock that made a different bird call with every hour. When the batteries wore down, the birds stopped chirping, and he'd tell people that they wouldn't start again until I came over to fix it. He never let anyone else reset that clock until I came around, even though I lived over 300 miles away. I'd get there and reset the time and put in new batteries, and he'd tell people that I made the birds sing.
The Reverend preparing a sermon
He loved to sing. He sang all the time. He loved polka and Irish folk music and gospel music and Johnny Cash. When he wasn't singing, he was whistling and slapping his knee to the beat. Sometimes he would even do a little jig. He was always happy. I never once saw him in a bad mood. Not once. He loved to play cards and Scrabble. He was so smart. He'd have that Scrabble dictionary at the ready, and he played to win.
He loved his Country. He was an eternal optimist. He loved people. He wanted to know everyone's history. He didn't pass judgment on anyone no matter what they did or said. He took care of people. Even after he'd retired from the ministry, he still would drive miles and miles to some church in the middle of no where to preach if the pastor was unable to make it. For years, he would go to the hospital and visit people who were unable to attend services themselves.
My Grandmother lost most of her vision and hearing, and he attended to her night and day as long as he was able. He had sweet little pet names for her, and when she would get nervous or anxious, he'd tease her until she laughed. He delivered my wedding vows. I wish I'd been able to give him a Great Grandchild to baptize.
I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be half the person that he was. He died peacefully a few hours ago, knowing he was going to Heaven. I often fall short of what he knew I could be, but he always loved me. And now I know he is no longer suffering. He's still with me. He always will be.
He was a beautiful light in this world of bitterness and pain. And I don't know if the birds are going to sing again. At least not for a while.
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Comment by Mountain Fog
that was a truly heartfelt and beautiful eulogy.
May he enjoy his peace and always be there for you.
When in real emotional need, all you have to do is think of him, and he will be there with you.
Trust me, I know this works!
By the way, you should put new batteries in the clock... it was the connection between you, and it was what he designed to bring you back to him.
cheers
fog
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
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Take care my dear. Big hugs xx
Comment by BethanieAnne
All of the characteristics you use to describe your grandfather, I have seen reflected in you.
You are so warm and kind. You love everyone. You always try to see the good in people and I have personally watched you show so much compassion for complete strangers that I feared your heart might break from all of the love bursting forth. I now have a better understanding about where your capacity for goodwill and grace came from and I know your grandfather must have gone to the next life with immense pride in his granddaughter.
May your broken heart be mended and restored and may peace come to your beautiful mind.
Beth
Comment by Nevar
Is Why
Thank you for introducing us to this warm hearted man that is your Grandfather, he sounds like someone we'd all like to meet.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
So very sorry about your loss. What a touching story though. I am certain he is very proud of you and everything you are.
I agree with Fog. . .
He will always be with you, but I would see if it was possible to bring that clock into your home maybe. Be an excellent way to remember him all the time, and for him to remember you too.
Gene
Comment by Morgan Bell
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Comment by moonglow
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Comment by PopulistConservative
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Comment by AmandaMN
One time Nat was on her way to a job interview that she was a shoe in for, all she had to do was show up. Well on her way she saw a homeless man and his dog sitting on the side of the road with a sign asking for food. She quickly did a Uturn and went straight to the grocery store. She came back with a bag full of food for the man and a bag of food for the dog. And even after that she might have made it to the interview but she stayed and listened to the guy as he told her his story. When I told her I was sorry that she missed out on getting that job she told me not to feel sorry for her but to feel bad for the man and his dog. I will never forget how she got choked up just telling me his story.
Natalie is such an amazing person. She has a soft voice and a loud infectious laugh. She is the type of person that never ever wants people to hurt or be sad and she often tries to absorb the pain of others into herself so that they can be comforted. Seeing her as the one who is hurting so badly is very difficult.
If she has sought your friendship you should feel very blessed, because she is the most special soul you will ever have the good fortune to know.
Mandi
Comment by Nevar
Is Why
Mandi, this story about her isn't surprising, it's what people can be when they yield to wisdom and faith.
Thank you for sharing it; I'm convinced her Grandfather is pleased with the person that she is.
Comment by Jason King
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He is probably doing a little jig upstairs at how happy he is with the way you have turned out.
All the best
Comment by Samantha Elley
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I've just had a little cry over your grandfather. I truly know how you feel as I lost my grandmother over a year ago and there is a huge hole in my life that she once filled.
I still feel her with me in many ways. She was my spiritual mentor and one of the first people in my life to give me worth.
I pray you will always feel the legacy of your grandfather with you and may he continue to inspire you throughout your life.
Sam
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Comment by Mountain Fog
I have not interacted with Natalina yet, my first visit here was after seeing her heartfelt eulogy, and now, I am extremely impressed.
Some people make it through life suffering, then go on to a deserved peace in death, and then, some people take away the suffering of others and make, even for a moment, a heaven on Earth.
Bless you Natalina!
And Natalina, keep on the way you are, for your soul shines so brightly, it beams out across the cyberspace and, without you realizing it, you cast the shadows and sorrows of others into the past, by giving us a sense of hope, for the future of our collective humanity.
peace unto your family.
fog
Comment by Wilson Pon
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Be tough and strong, everything will be alright, as time is the best healer!
Comment by Natalina
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I need to tell you all that I am so completely overwhelmed by the outpourning of love and kindness you've shown here. I can't express how much all of this means to me, and when I return I want to thank all of you individually.
The funeral was yesterday and was terribly difficult, but he is at peace, which brings me comfort.
I've been surrounded by family for several days now, but when I think of words that have brought me true comfort, I need only to read the comments on this post. Because of the warmth and love you've all shown, I can truly say my cup runneth over.
Natalina