Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Grandpa Pete

June 2008- My grandpa & me
Maggie girl- Grandpa's good friend
My dear Grandpa

It was a year ago today that my Grandpa Pete passed away in Ogden. It was on his and my Grandma Norma's wedding anniversary. She passed away two years earlier, and I know he was just waiting for the day to be with her again. He always lived such a full life, but I know his heart ached for his Norma when she was gone. But, I just wanted to write about some things on my mind as I think of him today, and most days, like I do my Grandma.
There's so much to be said about him. And anyone who knew him knows that. He was known, among many things, for his sense of humor, love of family, story-telling, kindness, tolerance, love of family and friends and especially his wife, my grandma. He also loved reading. I loved going over to his house and see the stack of books he was working on. Maybe that's partly why I've started accumulating my own pile to work on; I'm just hoping to be more like him. I will always take his and my Grandma's influences with me throughout my life.
I hope that Paul and I can grow old together like they did. They loved each other, stood by each other, and took care of each other as long as I've known them. Honestly, whenever I think of my Grandpa though, I don't believe he's really gone. When Paul and I moved to Iowa it was SO hard to leave our families. All growing up, my family with my cousins and aunt and uncle spent every Sunday evening with my grandparents. It's what I loved, looked forward to, and knew. I always knew, with the rare exception, that we'd do that every week. And it was such a big part of my life. Although, Paul and I lived in Taylorsville after getting married before we moved to Iowa, we didn't go over as much, I still longed to be able to visit him whenever I wanted. Which wasn't possible when we moved here. I loved calling him, though, and hearing how his day and week was, and what was new. He always had such good advice and was a good listener. Some days I feel like calling him, because all I need at that moment, is to talk to him.
In June of 2008 we went to Utah for my brother-in-law's wedding and I got to visit my grandpa for what would be the last time while he was alive, and tell him I was pregnant. I remember showing him pictures from our trip to Europe from the month before, and when it got to a picture with me and Paul, Paul said, "Doesn't Shari look pregnant there?" And my Grandpa just said, "Sure, sure." My dad then whispered that we were talking to him by his bad ear, and we should be louder. So a little bit louder, Paul repeated himself....And then I think I said I was actually pregnant. (By the way, I really didn't look pregnant in the picture, I was only a month along in the picture, so that's why it was so funny he said "sure" and nothing else.)
He was very happy for us. That first picture above was taken right after we told him. I will always treasure that picture. (I also included a picture of Maggie, his boston terrier, who actually died in July 2008, 1 month before my grandpa.) I do have to say that my grandpa was the BEST grandpa EVER. He was such a great person! I'll never forget his stories about his high school days and his crazy stories about his drinking and smoking days and all that he did back then. I'll never forget when he'd pop his dentures out at little kids, or "shove" his knuckles up his nose, as if his fingers were up there (his pointer and middle finger were missing on his right hand since he was very young). The looks on those watching was priceless. :) But his example most of all is what I'll take with me, and look up to. He helped so many people throughout his long life, including me. I don't think anyone who knew him had anything bad to say about him. He was one of the best people I've ever known.
So, to him I say not goodbye but so long for now, and God be with you till we meet again. And I can't wait to see you again!

2 comments:

Billie said...

How beautifully said, Shari. I too miss them both beyond words and can't believe they are gone from this earth. The only solace I take is knowing we are a forever family, we will see them again, and the wonderful memories.

2 Big Macs and a Lil' McNugget said...

That really is a wonderful post...Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)