My dad's dad (so my grandpa, Bridget's Great Grandpa) Raymond E Nelson passed away while I was in Hawaii of prostate cancer. It was a strange blessing to be in Hawaii when this happened because I was with Keri which just makes everything a little easier. I think it was also best because my dad is a silent griever and I would need to be with him if I was home...so this just gave him a little bit of space.
My grandpa was a different man for everyone...for me he did not apologize for his faith (which I love) but he did not shove his faith in your face either (which I love!)...He was a convicted Catholic and had the grace and understanding to allow you to believe and worship the way in which you were called to worship. I remember thinking that my grandpa would be very upset that one of my uncles had left he Catholic faith for another practice...I asked him if he was mad...and he looked at me with love and a smile and said..Kati it is all the same God it is just how you choose to worship him. I was YOUNG when this happened and it still resonates with me.
Grandpa also had a smile on his face every time we walked in the door. He had this sense of humor that was quiet and then all of a sudden he would shock you by saying something like All right you lucky people I am here....it always made me laugh.
Grandpa and grandma came to the hospital late in the night after Bridget was born and I just remember thinking how blessed and honored I was to have my grandpa there holding my little one (I do have to admit as a first time mom I was freaking out because my grandpa had the shakes like someone with Parkinson's and the ground below Bridget's head was hard)...Grandpa looked at me and said don't worry Kati this is not my first time holding a baby.
Keri and I had the opportunity to live with my dad at my Grandpa and Grandma's house when we were little....there are so many good memories at the farm....
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