I never got to know my grandfathers. I've only ever known one grandparent as the other three passed before I was born. My grandma has always lived far away, first in Florida and now in Pennsylvania. I've always been a bit sad to now know my grandparents in the ways others do, especially when I hear stories about what they were like. I often imagine myself talking to them and find myself wondering what characteristics I got from who. I'm lucky to still have my grandmother though and lucky that she's gotten to meet Maddie. When I met Brian, I learned that he still had all of his grandparents. Soon, I met them and felt very welcomed into the family. I enjoyed getting to know them and feeling as if I was getting to experience a bit of what it was like to have grandparents near by and alive. Both sets of his grandparents have been together for a long time and are pretty fantastic. Today, however, we mourn the loss of his grandfather, Carl. The one who inspired Brian's middle name. While I only have one living grandparent, I've never actually experienced the loss of a grandparent. On Thursday, I got a call from Brian sharing the news that his grandfather, who has been sick, though was doing somewhat better, had passed away at dialysis. My heart was so sad to hear the news and so sad for Brian. I know how much Brian's grandpa means to him. I know that he had a deep respect for his grandpa, has a lot in common with him, and had a strong desire to make him proud. I felt sad for Brian, but also sad to lose such an honorable man who had become the grandpa I never got to have. Carl was a man of high character. He lived an abundant life. He was faithful, generous, hard-working, a family man, and so loving. He was a veteran, who raised a beautiful family and devoted his life to the love of his life for 67 years! What an inspiration to remain committed to their vows for so many years. When Brian and I got married, he shared with us in a letter many words of wisdom for a healthy marriage. I cherish those words and deeply respect them. Carl also spent his retirement giving his time to those who needed it. He was charitable and worked a lot with meals on wheels. Though I didn't know him all that long and I wish I had more time to get to spend and learn from him, he became family and treated me as such. He was so kind to us and so proud of his family. I'm so honored that I got the privilege of meeting one of many individuals who is responsible for inspiring my husband to be the man he is today. Carl loved his great grandbabies and he loved Madelyn. Sweet Madelyn will never truly get to know her great grandfather, but how awesome it is that she has met him and experienced him and will always carry a part of him with her. Carl always told us how we were doing a great job with her, raising her and taking care of her. He always shared how proud of us he was. I loved that about him because it is so very hard sometime. He was special and his generation has a lot to teach all of us from younger generations. Live simply, faithfully, lovingly and generously. If I can instill these values into Maddie and carry them on in our family, then I'll feel we'll have made him proud. I've learned many lessons in life but in particular I've learned to cherish the people you have in your life, never take them for granted, and love those around you abundantly. Maddie is so lucky to have 3 of her grandparents and now 5 great grandparents to teach her, guide her and support her. I know she is too young to know what is happening, but I do believe she'll miss him. As will I. Now we have another angel to add to our army of angels in heaven watching over our dear Maddie. Thanks for being my grandpa on earth.
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AuthorHi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mother of a beautiful, but rare little girl and the wife of my best friend. I have decided to share my experiences on this journey in hopes to help others understand or help others in similar situations. :) Archives
October 2017
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