My Grandpa has been a role model to me my entire life. He lost his arm when he was 16 in a hunting accident. This didn't stop him from doing anything. He always said the only thing he couldn't do was row a boat...he says he would just go in circles. He was even asked by WSU to play on their basketball team. I would have loved to watch him play, I bet he was pretty good. Grandpa also lost his wife at a early age (which I am now thankful for because he then married my Grandma, had 3 lovely daughters--one who is my mom--and now I am here). He lived through the depression, started his own insurance agency, that is now one of the most successful agencies in the Palouse area. He lived life with so much integrity, honor, and is respected by so many people.
I grew up in the same town as him and therefore spent lots of time with him and my Grandma. They own a lake cabin on Priest Lake (it is my favorite spot to be on the whole earth). I am so blessed to be his granddaughter. I want to live my life just like him. I hope to be just as active as he is at almost 93 years old.
Last week he was diagnosed with acute Leukemia and we were told he only had several days left to live. This week has been very hard and very emotional. It is amazing how quickly a body can shut down. It has been a very special week to spend with him as a family, to honor him, and to say anything to him that we feel like we haven't said before. It hurts to let someone go who you love and look up to so much. Yet, I am so excited that he gets to go and be in heaven--he deserves it. I am so thankful for my Grandpa, thankful for the way he has been the leader of our family, thankful for all the support he has shown me, thankful for all the memories I have with him.
Brendan shares Grandpa's middle name and I pray that Brendan grows up to be just like him. Thank you Grandpa for being the best Grandpa on the face of the earth. I can't wait to see you in heaven. I love you.
