Our hearts are saddened anew as yesterday our beloved, vivacious Grandpapa stepped confidently and courageously into eternity with a peace that surpasses all understanding. This fresh grief feels compounded by the still-raw loss of Grandma Norah last month, yet “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
Handsome Husband’s doppelgänger/namesake grandfather was truly the life of every party– so full of life it seemed he was entirely larger than it. Husband and the kids never knew life without him; I was blessed to know him twenty years. He didn’t have to be, but was every bit my grandpa as well. To know him was to love him and be loved by him.
Grandpapa never met a stranger and befriended every person he encountered. His unbridled joy was disarming and enabled him to relate with depth and sincerity. He loved generously and genuinely, one felt known and treasured in his company as he radiated God’s light. He epitomized Mother Teresa’s exhortation to “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”
An inquisitive philosopher, he dubbed himself an Eternal Optimist, looking to the bright side in every circumstance. Also a mischievous jokester, he had a great chesty chuckle that I can still hear when I close my eyes and focus. Husband spoke to him just before he passed wherein they were able to bid each other “farewell for now.” True to his character, he remained unwaveringly optimistic to the very end, with the bright hope and assurance of one who’s entrusted his life to a faithful Savior.
He will be sorely missed.
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