There will be storms… Wise words from a great man. A man who worked harder than I could possibly imagine, yet who would giggle and laugh with his grandkids at the most peculiar things, it was always hard to tell if we were laughing because of something he’d said or done, or something we had…
The same man who in the midst of mourning his wife, and two of his sons, was loving and taught me how a man mourns. That true dignity lies in genuine grief. That a man doesn’t cry, until he does. And when it comes time a man mourns openly and honestly. A steadfast titan that even in the shadow of unspeakable pain, I never let myself consider losing. And once again the world has changed. The king is dead.
My mother told me a story on her way through town a few short weeks ago. How grandpa was sitting with her listening to a radio sermon about the storms of this life.
“there WILL be storms.” He said to her.
“Will be? don’t you think you’re in the middle of a storm right now?” My mother replied, no doubt thinking of the many health issues he’d suffered recently and the incredible loss of his wife and two of his sons in past years.
“No... no.” He replied. “I’m smoothly sailing home.”
And tonight He did just that. And we are faced with once again saying farewell to a titan. You’d think the last few years would have prepared me for this… but nothing ever could. And that is the way it should be.
So, Farewell Grandpa. You were loved more than I could ever properly express. If it’s not too much trouble give Grandma a hug from me, and try not to get into too much trouble with your boys. Whatever you do don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine, you taught us well what it means to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Rest easy, We’ll see you again soon.
