My sweet loving Gramp passed on Wednesday after a long hard journey with cancer. He was surrounded by 5 of his 6 children as he took his last breath in the early hours of this beautiful day. I am thankful to God for allowing him to finally find peace in his battle. But I am deeply saddened to lose him. But I find comfort that the Lord above found him and is wrapping his arms around him. When I think of my grandfather, I can't help to see his smiling face and hear his laughter. His humor would amuse anyone who was sitting around the table or visiting with him on the back porch. His recollection of stories would keep you entranced until the days grew long. His stories of the railroad, ups and downs of raising 6 kids, and the good times in his life gave you such insight into the wonderful life he lead. I'll never forget the summers I spent with him and my grandma. We would sit in the front room piecing together a 1000 piece puzzle, pick pecans from the yard, get lessons on how to drive a riding lawn mower, and play old records from his square dance calling days. I loved being around him because he gave you his full attention. And he took such great pride in being a grandfather. My most endearing memory is when Gramp to me by the hand and danced with me on my wedding day. I felt like I was dancing on air.
As I grew older and became a mother, I was able to witness my grandfather do the same type of things with my children. I got to experience how great a grandfather he was again but through the eyes of my children. He would get on the floor and play with my growing babies, roll around and wrestle, and tinker with baby toys that spin and pop as my kids giggled and smiled. My children loved their Grandpa John and speak of him often.
His true character became so vivid the last 10 months as he began his battle with cancer. His bravery and courage was astounding. He never once complained and he tried to hide his pain from his children and loved ones. Through clinched teeth as his body writhed in pain, he managed to joke with us and his nurses. He is a man with great will to survive. But better yet he was a man with the will to cherish every moment with the most important thing in his life...his family.
I will miss him dearly. I will miss his smile. I will miss him sitting on the back porch enjoying his cigarette. I will miss him sitting at the table with his legs crossed and one arm thrown over the back of the chair. I will miss him saying I love you when it was time for me to leave.
Amongst the pain and grief, I do find comfort knowing that he now has peace and his battle has stopped. And he is now sitting side by side with his dear wife having a cup of coffee while they read the daily news.
We love you Gramp!!
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