Remembering Grandpop...

Yesterday we said a final goodbye at the funeral for Phil's grandpop who passed away last Sunday morning. Just some thoughts to remember him...

I was his grand-daughter-in-law, but never once did he make me feel like that. When I married Phil I automatically joined Sandy, Chris, Dianne, Debbie, Beth, Rachel, and Corinne and became just as much his grandaughter as if he'd known me since I was born.

He loved God with all of his heart. His faith was such a major part of who he was as a person. When he entered heaven on Sunday morning, I know he didn't need to re-introduce himself to Christ. He had been in constant communication with Him through prayer and reading his Bible, probably on a daily basis, ever since he became a believer as a young man.

He had an amazing gift to take a piece of wood and make something beautiful from it. Whether it was an animal carving, a flower with delicate petals and leaves, or a painted birdhouse, Grandpop could do it. Right up until the end. I'm looking at the last birdhouse he painted for us that now sits on one of my bookshelves. Finished sometime since we last saw him on our trip home in June. I'm okay until I turn it upside down to see his shaky, cursive handwriting that said, " Sandra, June 2008, with much love, Grandpop."

He loved playing his instruments. I've never known another man in his 80's that could play the drums like Grandpop! And the saxaphone. And the bongos. And the keyboard. And the xylaphone (which he actually made). The only instrument I know he didn't like was the bagpipes. If he ever heard them, anyone listening would get an earful about how the bagpipes weren't truly worthy of being called an actual instrument. :) To this day, whenever I hear bagpipes I smile and think of Grandpop.

I miss him. His deep, loud voice. (As the hearing went a bit, I'm sure he didn't realize how loud he talked sometimes.) His quick laughter. His always asking how my family was doing in Ohio. 11 years since Phil and I married, and he would still tell me how impressed he was that the pastor I grew up with and his wife would drive all the way out to Philly to do part of our wedding. He would tell me often that he still remembered Pastor Peters when he prayed.

I miss his prayers. I know he prayed for us often. For all of his children. For all of his grandchildren. For all of his great-grandchildren.

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically and leave that kind of legacy." -Nichole Nordemann

So, Grandpop...you did leave a legacy. As mentioned at your funeral service, every one of your children, grandchildren, and great-children that are of age have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We remember you with so many good memories. You chose to love so much. Your life pointed always to your Heavenly Father. You were a blessing to Him. You were unapologetic in your faith. And you will be truly missed by all of us.