Grandpa

He was a simple man with skin that had been browned by the sun from many years of gardening and farming. He wore bib overalls, a white tee shirt and a hat. He spoke slowly with a low gravelly voice and his mouth turned down.

That man was my Grandpa.

Photos do not do him justice, because Grandpa wouldn't smile for the camera. I supposed it was because of his tobacco stained teeth. It is really too bad, because Grandpa's smile lit up his face.

His laugh was contagious. I struggle to describe the sound. It started slow with a happy sort of growl, like a motor warming; followed by a squeaky kind of chuckle. Grandpa had a twinkle in his eye. He loved good natured teasing.

For instance, we would go to Grandma to get our hair cut.

I have a vivid memory of walking into their home and seeing Grandpa sitting back in his easy chair with a smile on his face. "Hey, Annie why don't you have Grandma give you a hair cut like mine?" as he lifted his hat to reveal a closely cropped head of hair.

Then out would come his renowned laugh.

Grandpa was never in a hurry, he always had time for family. He loved for us to sit and visit with him and Grandma. Between the two of them, there were plenty of interesting stories to tell. What a privilege that we lived walking distance from their house. We knew were welcomed could drop in anytime.

Even though we were from a large family, our grandparents made us feel special. On our birthday Grandpa and Grandpa would drive up in their VW beetle. We would climb inside and ride into town with them all by ourselves. Next, we would make a stop at the local TG&Y store where they told us we were allowed to choose any thing we wanted for our birthday!!! Once I chose a doll that was on the very top shelf. Grandpa called over the store clerk and asked for a ladder.

He made sure that I got my wish. I felt special and loved.

At the age of 18 I moved several states away to attend college, not realizing I would never live in my home town again.

A few years later I married. My husband and I were young parents; and like so many we struggled financially. Since we couldn't afford expensive vacations, we would spend time off visiting with family. At the end of every visit Grandpa would find a way to slip us some cash.

Whenever we would try to refuse his gift, Grandpa would joke and say "Get some diapers for the baby". If we continued to resist, Grandpa would raise his voice and say, "TAKE IT!"

Eventually I just learned to say, "Thank you Grandpa!" and give him a hug.

He found joy in giving.

Many years later when I heard Grandpa was on his death bed. I wanted so desperately to see him one last time. But I wasn't sure I could take time off, since I just started a new job. My supervisor assured me that it was the right thing to do and not to worry. I am so thankful that I got to see him before he passed. What a blessing to see his smile with that twinkle in his eye and love on his face. I also discovered that he had a new found faith in Jesus, which gave me the peace to tell him goodbye for the last time.

Not many weeks later it was surreal looking at his lifeless body in the casket.

We all said, "He doesn't look like Grandpa". But then I looked down

and saw his folded hands; tears filled my eyes. Those were the hands I remember: helping to tie shoes, handing out a shiny new quarter, slicing a piece of salami. The strong hands that lifted me onto the tractor, killed a poisonous snake or bandaged my bleeding wound.

Those were Grandpa's hands.

We are blessed to have people in our lives that show us unconditional love without judgment. Those who always have time for you and make you feel special.

Grandpa embodied our Lord's love, even before he had met Him personally.