a reason to celebrate

Hi Granddad-

I'm not entirely sure what the protocol is on tapping into the blog-o-sphere up in heaven.

I'm guessing you get pretty great Spirit World Wi-Fi.

And that makes me think it might be okay.

BUT, if it's not allowed, I'm hoping they'll make an exception.

Just for today.

Because I've been thinking about you. Lots.

And even though you weren't one for tears, I have to admit...my apple fell way far from the tree there.

Like, say the family tree was a Granny Smith growing out on Apple Hill.

My apple'd be the golden delicious lying in some obscure East Coast orchard.

But that's okay.

I actually kind of like it there.

Because when the tears come, it reminds me that I haven't forgotten about you.

Reminds me that having you gone really hasn't changed much at all.

You're still the wisest person I know.

The most humble.

And the bravest.

You're still the leader I look to when I need to learn how to sacrifice.

Or be valiant.

Or have courage.

You're still the example I try to follow when it comes to learning the Gospel.

Loving it.

And living it.

And you're still who I think of when I think of our family.

Because none of us would be here without you.

We're not the most conventional bunch.

We don't have many traditions.

And we're pretty touch-and-go when it comes to communication.

But we love each other.

so. much.

And even though we've all decided to live our lives in our own way and in our own cities,

we're all still incredibly close.

And I'm certain that has everything to do with you.

You've been the rock of our family for as long as I can remember.

And I have to say...

even on those days when I miss you,

or those nights when I wonder if we'll ever be the same with you gone,

I picture you in your chair in Paradise telling me your stories.

And I realize,

you left us a legacy.

And I feel the peace that comes from knowing nothing really changed when you left.

Some small part of you is in each of us,

reminding us to work hard,

to be good people and strong leaders,

to always put our family first,

to show love in our own special way,

and to try and live our lives so we can visit you again

and listen to your stories forever.

I love you Granddad.

so. much.

And I am so grateful for your courage in Korea.

It gave me a reason to celebrate today.

And I can't think of anyone more deserving of a celebration.

Elmer Davis said,

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

Thank you for being brave Granddad.

And thanks for being my Granddad.

(I wouldn't have wished that one on anyone...)

Tomorrow I'll have been married for exactly six months.

We're going back to the place where we said yes to forever.

I wish you could've been there that day.

But I kind of feel like you were.

And every time I go back I feel that way too.

Because you and Grandma said yes to forever there too.

January 6, 1953

I'm so grateful for that day.

It brought me my family.

My forever family.

And I wouldn't trade that for the world.

I love you Granddad.

I'll be thinking about you.

And I'll start trying to do it with a few less tears.

No promises though :)