Grandpa

How do you explain to a child that someone they love is gone? How do you explain that they will never see their Grandpa again on this earth? How do you ever grieve enough that they won't get to grow up with this wonderful man? I am sad for me. I am sad for my Mother in law. I am sad for my husband. And I am so sad for my children. I hope that they can remember how a few short weeks before his death he spent a week straight serving them and loving them completely. I am so grateful that Steve got to meet Teig. I am so grateful that Teig got to meet Grandpa Steve. I am so glad to have this precious photo of them together to hang on our wall.

As he left Michigan a few weeks ago my heart was so full of love for this selfless man. He gave and gave. He worked when he should have been resting, never complaining or letting on that he felt bad. He found a million ways to bless our lives. He found things to fix that we did not know needed fixing. He was so generous. We have so many things because of him. His advise will always stick with me. I never grew tired of talking and laughing with him. He always made me feel appreciated and ok. One day I complained about my hair and he said, "that must be frustrating." He always knew what to say. I feel as if I was just getting to know him and I looked forward to spending lots more time with him. And of course I dreamed my kids would get to grow up with his wonderful example.
When Patty called to tell us the news today I hope I did not hang up on her. I think she said goodbye and hung up before I closed the phone. I think I remember saying, "I'll tell Paul." I wish I had said "I'm so sorry" I was frozen and shocked and left to think:. How do I tell my husband that his father has just died?" I loved him. My heart aches. I will tell my kids about him again and again and again. We will miss him so much.

Dear Dear Steve...