Feb. 21, 2009 - My Grandpa
My Grandpa gave us quite a scare recently. That got me to thinking about growing up just down the road from him and my grandma.
When I was a small child, he was just up the road. If I went to our driveway and looked up the road, I could see my grandparents' house. Sometimes I would see my grandma and grandpa sitting on their front porch. They'd wave and I'd wave back. Simple things. But so important nonetheless. I pondered about what made those simple actions so powerful. I think it would have to be that the "sameness" brought such security to me. Not that I knew that as a child, but I just knew it felt good. It felt right for them to be so close by. My grandparents were always there; always together; always had an open door. Sunday suppers were not just meals, they were "events". It was a time when all of their children & my cousins could come and visit and play. And later as we grew up, a place to come and reminisce about the "good old days".
My Grandpa has never been a big talker unless he's telling a war story . Sometimes I wish I'd listened a little closer. Those were stories of his life. I'm so glad that my oldest son got to sit and hear some of those war stories. I think he'll always remember the time he spent in my grandpa's living room. They have that memory together.
I guess the thing I am most thankful for are the choices he made throughout his life. He chose to serve his country. He chose to marry the love of his life. He chose to be a father. He chose to work hard in a coal mine. He chose to stand by his children through their toughest times. He chose to just be there for all his grandkids and great grandkids. And most of all, he chose to accept Jesus as his Savior.
It reminds me to make those good choices too. His life shows me that our choices really do matter. Those seemingly small choices are actually the ones that mean the most later in life. I want my children to come and visit me as much as his children do him. I want to know each of my grandchildren. I want my family to really enjoy coming to visit, and to know that my door is always open. I want to be there for my family just like he is.
My grandpa reminds me of my favorite quote that I have written in the front of my Bible: "Preach Christ always, use words when necessary," by St. Francis Assisi. My grandpa is a man of few words, but he showed Christ to us by his actions. Thanks "papaw" for a great example. I love you.
Comments
Apr. 7, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
What a beautiful tribute to your grandpa!
I'll have to write that quote down too-- definitely words to live by.
God bless you!
Marsha
