I remember this one day as a kid when I was outside biking with my cousin. I had not yet learned how to push the breaks on my bike, but that didn`t stop me from riding down the big hill close to our house. You can only imagine how that went. Grandma and grandpa were watching me that day, and I still remember running crying towards my grandpa toothless and with a bloody face. I don`t remember much, but I remember that comforting hug that spoke without words that everything was going to be ok. This is pretty much how grandma and grandpa have always made me feel. I grew up around my grandparents, they were always around or I stayed at their house. I always wanted to spend all of my vacations at their house, because at grandma and grandpa`s house, everything was allowed. My favorite thing was to come with them to the store. The reason for that was simply because I was waiting with anticipation for that moment where grandpa said: «ok, you can choose one thing from the store now». I usually had in mind what I wanted even before we left the house to go to the store.
I have so many stories of my grandpa. Growing up I remember how he tested my knowledge in math everytime he saw me and the questions were always: «what is 7x8 and 6x9».? He had to make sure I was paying attention in school. He was, after all, a teacher.
The thing he taught me that I`m not sure he was aware of was how to be a good spouse. Grandma and grandpa were constantly setting a good example of how to treat each other in marriage. They have showed each other love and affection as long as I can remember. They never yelled at each other (as I saw). They never made a decicion withoug asking each other first. They talked good about each other to me. I have always said this and I always will: I charish the love they had for each other. When I was looking for a husband, I was looking for someone who would treat me the way grandpa treated grandma. So in other words, my standard was high. My whole life I have believed in true love that lasts for a lifetime because of my mom and dad, but also because of my grandma and grandpa. Even after 60 years of marriage they were best friends. How precious is that?
Grandpa has always been such a loving and kind person. It was never about him, but always about people around him. He was selfless and served everyone in his way. I remember thinking that I could not imagine a world where grandpa would not be in it. It hurts my heart so bad that he is no longer with us. But I will tell you this, he left with only good things to remember him by. I could never have asked for a better grandpa, that`s for sure.
Grandpa was such a fighter. 3 years ago he shocked us all by having a stroke, and we thought we lost him. A couple of hours later he woke up and asked for something to eat. It was a miracle, he wasn`t ready to go. And for the last 3 years after the stroke I know he has been holding on with every string he can find not to leave grandma. His love for his wife is so strong that even though he was getting psysically weaker and weaker, he was not going to leave her behind. I still haven`t been able to talk about this a single time without tears in my eyes. Two words: TRUE LOVE.
It hurts that he is gone, because the reality kicks in and I realize that I can`t ever hug him again, or see him smile again. Even when you think you are prepared for someone to go, you`re never really prepared. It still took my breath away for a second when I had to accept the fact that he was really gone this time. The only thing that I can do right now is to walk down Memory Lane and remember all the good things there are to remember about him, and that list is long. It makes me laugh as much as it makes me cry. And the best thing of it all, he is with Jesus. He can finally rest and have peace. Even though it hurts for us that is left behind, it is comforting to know that he is more then ok with Jesus right now.
Grandpa, I love you so much, and I will forever keep you in my heart. Miss you.
Rest in peace.
