I know we all feel the same, mourning the loss, the numbness and shock are fading. We lost two amazing people in such a short time. I wanted to share just a little, even though we’ve probably all heard it in the past few weeks, I hope to honor the legacy of family and marriage through my own family and marriage. I know we all feel the same, but the thing is, they would point us back to God. So even though we are missing them, I know we are all so thankful for the hope they gave us when they pointed us to Christ through the examples they lived out.
Because of Grandma and Grandpa, I learned about servant leadership. I learned about marriage. I learned about generosity and faith and love. I learned about family.
Grandpa was always the one we called. When my car stalled, he was on speed dial. When I needed someone to co-sign my loan so I could build credit, he met me at the bank. When I wanted a new car, he taught me how to shop, what to look for and then to make a deal. When I needed a place to stay, they had an open room.
I remember when I was very little, Great Massey (his dad) was still here. I thought Great Massey was my best friend. Adults would gather around and talk, Great Massey would get down on the floor and play. with me. He made me feel important and loved. Like as a person, what I did and my feelings mattered, even though I was small. He fixed my bike and played with me. He sat with me. He would sneak sweet treats to me as I rode around his basement on a plastic reindeer with wheels.
And then I got older, got married and had my own kids. And I watched as my Grandpa did the same for them. He fixed their bikes and slipped them treats. He played hill climb with them and tried to teach them how chevys smell like oil just like he taught Trey.
He played with me when I was little, too. And I remember being at their house waiting for him to get home from work, watching the clock turn 5:00. Supper was always ready when he walked in the door because Grandma knew that was love for him. He always tried to protect her, keep her safe. But she was stronger than we remember, you guys. She was bold in faith, sharing Jesus with Grandpa and changing our family tree for eternity. She worked hard. She loved well. She was behind the scenes, holding him up, supporting him. As the years went on and they slowed down, I mentioned how thankful I was that she had him to care for her. She corrected me right away- we take care of each other.
So many people have the wrong view of marriage, It’s not independence versus co-dependence. It’s interdependence, with God being center. The Lord intertwined their lives so well over the years, Grandpa couldn’t breathe without her here.
I will miss Grandpa’s laugh and Grandma’s warnings for me to keep a close eye on my kids. I will miss hearing Jeff on the phone with Grandpa asking for advice on how to fix a broken something. I will miss how their eyes lit up when I would ask them to tell the story of their first date again. (If you haven’t heard the story, they were on their way to a game at Oakwood school and his car stalled. I loved teasing him about it.) I will just miss their presence, but I am thankful for the wonderful memories and all of you.
I just want to leave you with one thing, as rummage sale season approaches, please remember, if something is marked a quarter, offer a dime. Grandma would be proud.
