Saying Goodbye

This was written yesterday night, started after a long day, and finished after my grandfather was gone.

I have only known one grandfather in my life, and he was the best one I could have asked for.  Today we told him goodbye.

My grandfather was old-fashioned; his word meant something, he dressed up for dinner out, his family was so important to him, and he worked hard for everything he had.  He loved being outside with his flowers or fixing things around the house, spending time with his wife of 72 years, cheering on the Suns on TV, and being a strong (but stubborn) man.

I remember him taking me to breakfasts on Saturday mornings when I was little.  He’d let me order whatever I wanted and we’d just sit and talk. Everyone at the restaurant knew him and my grandmother and when the two of us would come in, they’d ask who the young lady with him was (this happened every single time) and his answer always made me feel so special.  A few years ago I told him how much these breakfasts meant to me.

My grandparents spent their winters in AZ and we visited them frequently when I was little.  I loved going to see them and they were the only reason I eventually moved to AZ to attend ASU.  While there I met Mr. C. and introduced him to my grandparents even before my parents met him.  I remember my mom telling me that my grandpa called her to tell her about the “fine young man” I had brought over.  I was so happy that my grandpa approved and thought so highly of him.

We spent a lot of time with my grandparents during the 7 years we had with them in AZ.  Once or twice a month we’d go over to their house for the day and play games with my grandma (who would fall asleep during a game and then wake up just to beat us) and Mr. C. would sometimes watch games with my grandpa, something you could always find him doing in the evening.  Later we’d go out to dinner and just sit and talk. 

They’d have a list of questions or things to be looked at.  Mr. C would tackle the technical ones and they were so grateful when we could actually figure out whatever they were asking us about.

When I was homesick I’d spend a Friday or Saturday night.  I remember going over during my first Halloween when I had just dyed my hair green on accident and just wanted to go home.  It wasn’t home, but it was just what I needed.  I was so grateful to have family close, and grandparents know just how to make things better.

I was so lucky to spend the time with them in AZ that I did.  I spent a couple thanksgivings at their house, just the three of us, and then the four of us, which was so special to me.  My grandpa made a little turkey and my grandma and I tackled the rest of the meal.  A day or two after thanksgiving Mr. C and I would help my grandma decorate the inside of the house and my grandpa decorate the outside for Christmas.  My grandpa was very particular about his Christmas lights and had enough that he could have opened his own store.  In the end the lights were always beautiful and he was so proud of his display.

My grandparents quit being snow-birds a few years ago so I didn’t get to see them as much.  I’d see them in the summer and Christmas when I came home and my grandpa always seemed so happy to see us.  I’ve missed seeing them, but I have always been so grateful for the seven years we had them so close in the winter because I had so many opportunities to do things with them I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

I’ve witnessed the commitment and never ending love my grandparents shared, a commitment that’s been modeled in my own parents, and one I strive for.  Many tears have been shed in the last week by so many people, a reminder of how many people love him and how many lives he’s touched.  I’m sad he’s gone, but know he’s waiting for my grandmother to join him someday in heaven, where he can proudly show off his beautiful wife he lovingly took care of for so many years.  I’m so thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful grandfather and I will never forget the memories or the values I have because of him.