A Marvelous Legacy

Dear Granddaddy,

I picture you celebrating your birthday today with Grandmama.  I know that she is right there by your side and if there is pound cake in Heaven, I'm pretty sure she baked one for you.  Of all the letters I've written to you over the years, this one is surely the hardest to write.  This is the letter you will never receive.

I want to celebrate you so that all the world knows just how remarkable you really were.  I love you and am so thankful that God made me your granddaughter.

Granddaddy, I love you because...

You were honest and direct.  You would tell me what you thought without hesitation. 

You were dependable.  If you said you were going to do it, you did it. And you expected me to also.

You were gentle and caring.  You always met me with a hug and a smile.  You would hold my hand and gently squeeze it to give reassurance when I needed it most.

You taught me that nothing matters more than loving Jesus.  I can still see you sitting on that back deck reading your Bible early in the morning. I remember visiting sick church members with you as you shared God's love.  I love that you taught Sunday School and as a child, I loved going in your class with you.  You painted a beautiful picture of love, both to your Savior and others.

You taught me how to garden.  As much as I complained about those hot days in the garden, I want you to know that I loved every minute.  I learned to plant, pick, and shell peas and butter beans.  You graciously passed on your love of growing vegetables to me.  You are the reason I love strawberries, butter beans, and "Grandmama peas."  Thank you for sharing that joy with me. 

You taught me that hard work pays off.  I would watch you on that red tractor for hours in the field.  I loved the way you would wave to me on your way back to the barn at the end of the day.  You loved being outside and I can still see you plowing the field, wide-brimmed hat on, and wearing those Liberty overalls.

You taught me how to love a spouse.  You spent your life loving your precious Frances and built a family with her.  You held her hand on your wedding day, throughout your life together, and as she took her last breath.  I loved watching the two of you together.  Thank you for showing me what complete devotion looks like for 56 years.  After I married Scott, I asked you the secret to being married for so many years.  Do you remember your answer?  "It's simple," you said, "And two became one." 

You taught me the meaning of "in sickness and in health."  When Grandmama faced Parkinson's disease, you never left her side.  You were there, day after day, caring for her every need.  You cooked, you bathed, you clothed, and you loved.  You were a pillar of unconditional love and when she died, a part of you died.  I learned so much from you during those years.

You taught me about love of country.  You served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and received a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars.  I loved how your face lit up when talking about your service.  You were so proud of your time there and the other squadron members. I will always remember what you said when I told you I bought my first car, a Toyota Camry:  "Why would you want a Jap car?"  Your devotion to country certainly ran deep.

You taught me so much more than all of these.  I love you because you were my Granddaddy and you were GreatDad to my children.

I love you because when you were getting ready to leave this Earth, you were still the strength I needed to say good-bye.  Two days before you died, I held your hand for the last time as you struggled to breathe.  It was hard to see you so feeble and weak.  As Sondra and I stood over you, you smiled and said, "I am so proud of you two."  All I could muster through the tears was this: "No, Granddaddy, I am so proud of you." 

For weeks, I've been trying to figure out how I would honor you.  It seems strange to be writing to you instead of visiting the farm and celebrating with family.  It seems odd that you are not here telling me all about WWII.  And it certainly seems amiss to not be able to hug you and tell you how much I love you. But as I think about all that you taught me, I realize that you are still here.  You are a part of who I am and I am so blessed to have known you.

I miss you Granddaddy and the kids miss their GreatDad.  As much as we want to spend this birthday with you, the thought of you celebrating this special day with Grandmama in Heaven makes me smile.  I smile because I know that you are finally at rest.  I smile because I cling to the promise that I will see both of you again.

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy.   You left a marvelous legacy.


But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children.  Psalm 103:17