A Sign of New Life

Last Sunday, March 20th my grandpa passed away.  Ironically, it was the exact same day a year ago that my other grandpa passed away.  March 20th was also the first day of spring.  Spring is a sign of new life and we all saw it fitting and beautiful that my grandpa got to begin his new life in heaven on that day.  My grandpa will forever be missed and remembered by all.  My grandpa was a dairy farmer and had milked his last cow 20 years ago to the day he died, as well.  Dairy farming was his passion and livelihood.  I will always remember his stories about farming and him taking me to the farm every time I visited.  He was always so excited when his grandchildren would come to visit.  He would have the whole weekend planned out for us.  We would play on the farm, take hayrides, chase the farm cats, garden, feed deer, take long walks, cook, play dominoes, and just talk.  He's left me with many special memories that I will cherish forever.

The visitation and funeral were a great celebration of his life!  We were all sad, but mostly happy to have known my grandpa.  He had been unable to walk for almost two years now and was living in a nursing home.  Over the last month his health had deteriorated with kidney issues and pneumonia.  I was thankful to have a chance to spend time with him in his last days.  My mom and her three siblings gave an awesome tribute at the funeral to my grandpa...He will be remembered as a Farmer, Father/Grandfather, Christian, and an Active Citizen!  I love you, Grandpa!  You were the strongest and kindest man!  Thanks for being a great example for me!

Grandchildren at the funeral...we were also the pallbearers.  We are just missing one of my cousins who was in Europe on a special trip to propose to his girlfriend.