The Man That Is: Gramps

He’s been the apple of my eye since I was little. He always chose me. He loved to spend time with me. As far as I could tell, I was the most important part of his life. But he had a gift of making everyone feel like they were worth spending time with. He loved spending time with family. He loved Christmas and playing card games. He especially loved when he won and blamed everyone else for cheating when he lost. He was a sassy jokester. He served our country in Japan. I wish I listened more when he told stories from his time in the service. 

 

 

He always talked about how great Japan was and how beautiful it was. I have wanted to visit ever since he got his scrap book out and showed me the pictures. He kept a scrap book (two to be exact) of beautiful places, beautiful faces, friends, achievements, and experiences. I love looking through them and remembering the stories he told to go along with each picture. 

 

 

I was able to witness prayers of many be answered when he finally gave his life to Christ. There was a visible difference in his attitude and his relationships with others. He started serving in places he would have never done with out Jesus. He loved to hang out at youth group selling candy. There were certain kids he connected with, he made them feel special. He really enjoyed keeping a pocket full of quarters for those kids who didn’t have enough money to buy a snickers bar or coke. His heart was full of compassion. He loved to do things for people, he loved to drive the tractor around my uncles farm. When I lived by myself he would come and shovel my driveway. My grandpa loved to serve people. I enjoyed watching him light up as he served. 

 

Sometimes I wonder if he would have done the World Race if it was around then. I wonder what he would have thought about me going to all those countries, or me living in Guatemala. I miss him. I wish I could watch a sunset with him in the back yard. Sometimes I still think about calling him, hearing his voice, and telling him what I’m doing with my life. I know he’s chatting it up in heaven with Jesus, playing the perfect hand of cards. I wonder if Jesus lets him win ever…gosh it’s gotta be so fun. 

 

Has there been anyone in your life that has changed the view you have about it? Are they still alive? Maybe you should tell them about the impact they’ve made.