The world has stopped today...

Today our family lost the most wonderful husband, father, and GRANDPA the world has ever known. He was a giant of a man and has influenced my life so much. The loss seems unbearable! Although I am thankful for the peace that he has finally received I am trying to figure out how the world will turn without Grandpa. He is going to be so dearly missed.

He lived his life by example. He has taught me to be strong and to live my life with courage. He battled Parkinson's disease for thirty five years and not once can I recall him complaining about the pain and suffering he experienced. He took each stage with stride, adapted, and made the best of it. Even this past week as he has fought for life he exemplified the most extreme desire and will to LIVE! Grandma says he took in every last breath of life that he possibly could. He took advantage of every moment life gave him.

Grandpa has inspired so many around him to be better and live better (including myself). A simple conversation with him and you felt renewed and ready to try harder. He taught me to have faith and to rely on this faith when challenges arise. He taught me to listen instead of talk. He taught me to be ambitious and to dream big. In fact, the bigger the better. :) He taught me to embrace hard work and that reward only comes with hard work. He taught me to be a life long learner and to seek knowledge ALWAYS. Perhaps his greatest lesson was to LOVE. Grandpa loved his family beyond what words can describe. And he made sure we knew it! In fact, I am sure it was leaving his family that made it so difficult for him to move on. Grandpa and Grandma have loved each other with the most perfect love. Their relationship has been their greatest legacy. Sixty-five years of love and respect! I still do not know how one will go on without the other.

My mom said today that Grandpa was steadfast and immovable. She couldn't have described him any better. His life was dedicated to helping others, sharing his faith, and finding the good in all things. How lucky am I to have known him!!!

Thank you Grandpa for all that you have been to me. The things you have taught me will guide and direct my life. I will miss everything about you!





I will be taking the week off to reflect on this special man's life and to be with family (especially my sweet, little grandma). If you have emailed or called about pictures I promise I'll get back the first of next week. :) Thank you!

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5 comments:

Stacie said...

Nicole and family,

We are so sorry to hear of your family's loss of such a wonderful man. He sounds like an amazing example to all. Please know that our thoughts and our prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Its an amazing blessing to know that we can see our loved ones again some day.

Joe and Stacie Maxfield & Family

Callisters said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard watching our Grandparents, the people you look up to most pass on. It is hard watching them go through the part of life of getting "old" and you think that during that process you are some what preparing for the day when they are gone, but when it finally happens you realize how un-prepared you really were.

Enjoy spending time with family and living the rest of this week reflecting on what is most important in life! I am thinking of you guys, love you lots....

Jen H. said...

Nicole I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. He sounds like an amazing grandfather! Thanks for sharing a part of him with us. I think we could all grow from the great things he taught you. Thinking of you...

Nicole said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your sweet comments. It has been a very hard day! Thank you for taking time to share your love and concern. It has really helped! :)

Tatiana said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. I hate the feeling of knowing that you won't be able to give them hugs and you reflect on all the moments you wish would have taken in more. I'm thinking of you.