On July 4th my Grandpa Jim went to be with the Lord. When I type that my immediate thought is, "I've never met a man so eager to be face to face with Jesus".
The past few years, my Grandpa lived in Dallas near and with my family. I will be eternally grateful for those years. I was able to spend a lot of time with him, treasured time, learning from him, celebrating his birthdays, hearing stories, and laughing at his great sense of humor. I don't remember ever feeling such sadness when my Dad called me to tell me about his death. I cried...a lot. However, there is SO much to celebrate about this man besides the Truth that he is with JESUS!
I wanted to blog about some of the "isms" and traits that come to mind when I think about Grandpa. I told my mom after he passed away, "He was such a quotable man!" both for humor and for truth.
- When speaking about serving in World War II and the Korean War as a marine, he would say to each individual "You were worth it"
- He taught me the choices I make are evidence of where I find my value and where I find my value will determine the choices I make
- At every chance he had, he would tell each individual, "There is only ONE you". He wholeheartedly believed in the truth of the value of the individual and their uniqueness.
- His favorite morning breakfast routine that he repeated "I take a bite of danish, then a bite of banana, then a sip of coffee and I say "Mmm Mmm, Thank you Jesus!" (hahaha)
- He taught the 5th grade for 30 years and always believed it to be "..the best age. Their minds could be easily molded at that time. The best time to instill truth"
- The church that Lee and I got married in was right by our house. In the months leading up to the wedding every time we passed it my Grandpa would say something like "There it is! June 26th we'll be there for your wedding". I always thought that was sweet.
- My Dad's mom passed away when he was in his 20's. My grandpa remarried later on in life. He survived both of his wives. One day we were driving in the car talking about them and he said "They both left me for a better Man" (always loved that. so sweet).
- In his last few years, he was in a wheelchair. Every time we rolled him into a room with several people, still maintaining his humor till the end, he would say "No, no please don't get up!"
I know I could think of so many more and so could my family. I may add to this post as I think of them, just for my enjoyment later on.
We went to California for his Memorial service. I am so thankful for that time. It was a healing, refreshing time to be with family and talk about Grandpa and all his "isms" until we were blue in the face. What a wonderful man, full of life and godly character until the end. He had a wonderful balance of living this life to the fullest while still anticipating his true Home, in heaven. I pray that I have that fire in my belly for the Lord until He brings me home, just like My Grandpa Jim.
