Grampa Heydenburg

I've been putting off this post for awhile.  It's not for lack of want, but somehow the fact that led up to the post has been too raw to set to words.

You see, I lost another grandfather last month.  Don't get me wrong.  I have friends who have had to learn to live without their parents, let alone grandparents.  I know how incredibly fortunate I was to have grown up with four doting relatives.  I am grateful for every visit, card, and hug over the years, and I cherish sweet memories.

I guess the thing that gets me is that with all of the wonders of modern cell phones and unlimited call plans, we are in touch with people more than ever before.  But somehow in the sheer volume of communication, its so easy to forget to say what really matters.

Perhaps I feel this more acutely because my Grampa battled Alzheimers and, toward the end, huge chunks of his life were lost to him.  It's so insidious, this memory eating disease.  

I have often wondered at comments made at memorial services.  Why on earth do we keep silent until a cherished person is gone?  Surely loved ones would be better served by knowing what they meant to us before they passed on?  The fortunate ones know death is coming and are able to speak freely while frail hearts and minds can still acknowledge heartfelt sentiments.  For those to whom death comes unexpectedly, there is no such consolation.

I realize that life is busy and that talking to others is as easy as pushing a speed dial button.  I just hope that I will remember to purposely share my thoughts with loved ones while they can still be heard.

So, without further ado...

 

Grampa - You and Gramma lived your lives simply before the Lord.  You treated people fairly, were generous & kind, and you left a strong family legacy.  Through the good and especially the bad, you were devoted to each other.  We will miss that twinkle in your eye and that quick wit.  We'll also wish to hear some of your sound advice and insight during life's tough seasons. But most of all, we'll miss your gentle and kind heart.  Until we meet again, please know that you are loved and missed deeply.