I knew that when I walked on the plane to leave for Africa, that life would not be the same when I returned years later. How it would be different, I couldn’t know. As much as I knew that reality, I chose not to dwell on it or I might have not walked onto that plane. So I should not be surprised by the grief of change. This morning my grandpa, whom I dearly loved, passed away. I know this is not a final goodbye, but I will miss seeing him here on this earth. It is hard to not be with family during this time to help and grieve and remember. I desperately cling to the hope that as effective as prayers have been in my life, so might my prayers provide some comfort to my family as I am away.
I can’t be there, but I can remember with everyone else the wonderful ways that this man impacted my life.
Grandpa….
- You were an amazing cook! Your hamburgers and chicken wings were famous in my world.
- You always took the time to make us kids our favorite drinks, special cherries and all!
- I remember the summers spent with you, swimming in your pool as you watched and laughed.
- Every time we came, you always had new pool toys for us blown up and ready.
- You were the best spades partner
- Your home was a refuge to me and those I love.
- I always ate better when I was with you than any other time in my life.
- You were a hard worker, who never gave up no matter what the task.
- Your real estate advice has made us wiser.
- The two weeks you spent getting our home ready before our marriage is treasured in my heart.
- You always had time to come down and help when there was need. My parent’s house would not be what it is today without your hard work.
- Every night you got grandma her pills and milk, which was only one of the many ways you displayed your love for her.
- It has been amazing watching you grow and change as God softened your heart.
- You loved your grandchildren and always went above and beyond to make sure we were happy.
What a wonderful tribute to your Grandpa Dick, Andi. We send our prayers for your family as you remember him from so far away. He was such a generous man and always willing to help whenever needed. I know your Grandma Sophie will miss him greatly.
Love you,
June and Don
Dear Andi and Joel,
So sorry for the loss of your grandpa! What a smile!
You guys are in my prayers. Aunt Patti
That was so beautiful and touching!! Dick was a wonderful man! I always received a warm and welcoming hug and looked for the beautiful smile he always had!! He had a wonderful demeanor and was so great to talk with! I remember I had dinner there one night and was instructed on the way a hamburger has to be layered together I won’t forget that wonderful evening!! I knew where I could always find him and that was around the barbeque with a line formed waiting to taste one of his ribs or steak! I loved his stories and how he reminded me of my own Grandpa his brother of course Joe who I miss dearly! He was gentle and kind and welcomed everyone into his home as well as his gracious loving wife Sophie. I always flt right at home there no matter what. He is now with our heavenly Father , dancing on the streets if gold joined together again with his family that went before him! We will miss him here on earth but see him in the faces of his children and Grandchildren what a wonderful legacy he has left on this earth… Until we are together we will miss you Uncle Dick I loved and Admired you Love Lori (dunivan) Schaffer
Andi and Joel, I’m sorry for this time of loss for you of the presence of a beloved grandfather on this earth. What precious memories you have. Love aunt elisabeth
Wow- I never met him but this tribute makes me wish I had!
So sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for your family during this time.
Your pain is shared by many. What a testimony your Grandpa was to share his gifts of service and hospitality. Your pictures introduced him to many of us that did really know him. My prayers to you and your entire family during this time. Carolyn was right let yourself grieve and cry out to God. He is to be missed for all the love he showed to family and others.
Yes, as many have already said he was a dear man. I hardly knew him but I had no doubt how much he was loved nor did I doubt how many lives he had touched with his warmth and his smile. Your tribute to him is beautiful. You will miss him as will so many others but aren’t we fortunate that we know we will one day be reunited with our loved ones.
May God give you the strength to endure as you miss the ‘family’ time together as they mourn his passing. They will give one another strength but you and Joel and the boys will have to look to each other and to God for the comfort you need. And again we are lucky, We have His word that His Grace is always sufficient for us. Be strong my dear friend, but don’t be afraid to cry and to mourn. That is not a lack of strength it is true emotion showing and should not be denied.
Carolyn
Dear Joel and Andi,
When I was going about my morning, the Lord brought to mind a Scripture verse He showed me when a beloved uncle went home to be with Him.
Psalm 116: 15–“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
While the Lord did not intend us to die, Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death to all of us. It is so encouraging to know that we will live forever with Him and with our loved ones who loved the Lord also.
May our Blessed Lord and Savior shower his grace, mercy and peace upon you as you grieve for the loss of your wonderful grandpa.
Love and prayers,
Jeannette
Thanks for sharing that beautiful tribute. We are so sorry for the loss your family is enduring. We’ll be praying for you as you grieve from afar. the Whitehills
Joel and Andi, I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry for the loss but rejoice with you that you will see him again. Love and prayer.
Whenever I saw him, he was wearing a smile on his face. And he made the best burgers ever! Even custom made mine for me!
We will miss Grandpa Dick. Thank you for sharing wonderful memories, Andi. I am praying for your family.
Love, Peggy
Dear Andi and Joel,
How difficult to be so far away at such a time as this. I am praying for you as you continue to remember your special grandpa. What a wonderful job you did in putting your thoughts and photos down of him. This will be a great comfort to those who loved him so.
Doesn’t it just make Heaven so much more anticipated? As we age and more and more of our precious friends and family are there… we long not only to be reunited but to join them in such a wonderful praise service of our Saviour. Not empty words… just precious glorious HOPE.
I pray for you often and will be remembering you that much more as you are treasuring your memories of Grandpa.
With love,
Lauri
There are tears in my eyes, and prayers for you and your whole family–especially for your grandma, Sophie. Yes, your grandfather was a very special man. May God bless you and Joel and the boys especially at this time.
So sad to hear the news. Our prayers go out to you and your family during this time.
What precious memories! Thanks again for sharing from your heart. So glad your Mom is with your Grandma during this time.
What a great smile.
Prayers.
Tears.
Love.
from me, for you
I have no words. Thank you my daughter.
Love,
Dad
Thank you for sharing Andi! Ryan and I grew to love your grandpa as they opened their home to us while we were on the road for our ministry. He was always so gracious. He always laughed when Abby would come in the front door yelling “Grandpa” and go running over to him in his chair to give him a hug. We are grieving with you & your family. He was a special man!