I think I was seven years old when Grandpa passed away. He must have made a deep impression on me, though, because when I learned he was gone, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't smile again. I mean, what was there to smile about if such a wellspring of love and goodness could no longer be with us? The world was emptier. But I wasn't able to keep that vow, and I'm sure Grandpa is glad about that.
As I recalled at the Twin Falls reunion in 2009, my clearest memories of Grandpa are his hugs. He had broad shoulders and strong arms, and when he scooped you into one of his hugs, you felt safe and special. His hands sometimes shook, but that didn't detract from his solid, reassuring presence. His whole being somehow seemed to overshadow what pain or discomfort he must have felt in his last years. His love was all-encompassing and unconditional.
What a difference a century can make. My husband's grandparents were also born in 1911, but in Germany. Since they and Grandpa were born, their two countries went to war against each other twice, with devastating consequences. Much has thankfully changed over the past few decades, but the memory of Grandpa's hugs transcends time and place. It set a gold standard for family love, for knowing when you've found something similar and for knowing what to strive for as you establish your own family. Thank you, Grandpa, for that wonderful gift.
-- Katherine
Thank you Katherine. I love what you wrote about Germany and our country through this past century. All that you wrote is grand.
ReplyDeleteWhen you and Laura mentioned your ages when Grandpa died, I was surprised each time, like you must have been older. Yet I was only 21, so yes, you were young too. And some of the grandchildren, like Julie, Jennifer, and Jessica, Ryan and Tyler never got to meet grandpa. But perhaps they were able to spend time with him in the spirit world as he returned and they awaited their turn on earth. What a nice thought that is to ponder.
This is really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI was just 14, which seemed like a pretty full life at the time, but recognize now that there were really only a good quick 10 years of memories with Grandpa. Makes you realize how short it all is and how important it is make a memory with a child when we have the opportunity. -- Roy
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