Dear Grandpa...

Dear Grandpa,

The person we saw at the nursing home for so many months was NOT you!! You were my fun- loving, caring grandpa that would put out a plastic baby doll on the porch when you knew we were heading to your house just to see us jump with glee that our trip was finally done! You were my grandpa that would boast to my friends on Grandparents Day about all the crazy things you did when you were a kid! You were my grandpa that would always have those little hand wipes in the visor of your car that I thought were so cool! You were my grandpa that would set up that little pink camouflage tent in the den for us so we could pretend we were camping out in the wilderness when in reality 2 feet away you could turn on the light when we found we weren’t too fond of the wilderness! You were my grandpa that went to show us the “birdies” and hold us in the most awkward way but we didn't care we were seeing the birds! You were my grandpa that always had everything clean! You could often be found washing your hands repeatedly or if a sink was not available using those little hand wipes you get at restaurants you eat wings at. And now that I’m thinking about it I don’t know how you always had so many of those. Maybe you stashed up every time we went to one of those restaurants! Anyways, you were my grandpa that would make popcorn for us in that navy blue speckled pot. You would always say “Remember..” then smile your mickey mouse smile and say “popcorn on the stove” and then we’d both grin like there was something more to this pot then just it’s ability to make delicious popcorn. Like it was magic or something... and it was... to us!

You are a warrior! When grandma needed you, you were right beside her. When dad needed you, you stayed strong giving him encouragement that helped him keep on. You put trust in God and nothing was impossible for you. I don’t know why you had to have that sickness but I do know that God has a plan and He makes all things new! He doesn’t just take away the struggle and hardship He makes it into something that can glorify You! He makes beauty out of ashes! And that’s why despite the sad time we will go through in the weeks to come we can look positively to the future because we know that God is making something good out of this situation and I for one am looking forward to all the good He has planned! We already know that you are somewhere very good and we’re just a bit jealous but you will surely be missed... the real you that is! I could go on and on about all the special things you were to me as a grandpa but that letter would never end! You’ve taught me so much! A lot you probably didn’t even realize you were teaching me but I learned a lot by just the way you kept God number one in your life and I mean look how good you son and daughter turned out! You had to have been a REALLY special dad to have turned those two crazy kids into what they are today. Two godly parents that are teaching their kids the way you are supposed to live. Thank you for all you did in your short years on this Earth! You really made an impact on a lot of people if not directly, indirectly through you two wonderful kids! Say hi to Jesus for me in heaven! And always remember... 
I will love you forever,

I will like you for always,
As long as I’m living 

My grandpa you’ll be!!

Love,

Olivia