Goodbye Granddad

I am happy. I think Granddad would want me to be happy for him. He lived 92 amazing years filled with all types of life experiences. He was a son, a hitchhiker, a college student, a soldier, a husband, an engineer, a friend, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. These are just a few of his titles and accolades. Above all, he was a man of faith. For that reason, I think he would want us to rejoice that he's gone to heaven. He's celebrating with Grandma, his parents and his brothers and sisters as well as meeting my daughter Isabelle for the first time. We're going to throw one heck of a party in his honor, sing some of his favorite hymns and old time favorites ("Ragtime Cowboy Joe", anyone?), and tell stories until we laugh so hard we cry. I'm lucky to have known him and loved him. I thank God for such a wonderful grandfather and such a long time with him. We'll miss you.