At the end of December/beginning of January we found out the my grandpa had Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. He was initially given 6-8 months, but God's timing is perfect and he wanted Grandpa to be with him sooner. He went to be with Jesus on January 31st. We were blessed that he and Grandma came home from Florida at the end of December and lived with my Aunt and Uncle outside of Iowa City for the remainder of his life. We got to spend time with him and eventually help take care of him. That time was precious. I got to hear him tell me about accepting Jesus into his heart at age 13 and how he knows with certainty that he will be with Jesus in heaven and we will see him again. Unfortunately, Mark and I were in Maui when my Grandpa passed and were unable to attend the funeral. I was sad to be unable to grieve with family and get that closure, but like I said, God's timing is perfect and for some reason, it was supposed to be that way.
Grandpa had a way of making each of his 27 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren feel special. There was always a knee to have a pony ride on, always a song on his lips in that beautiful tenor voice, and of course, always cards to be played. He was always up for a game of Hand and Foot, but you had to watch him, he had a tendency to cheat. I'm so thankful that my girls got to know him and make memories with him. He loved his little dears (grandkids) and his deer (statues). There was always a deer in his yard. He has left a mighty legacy. I miss him and know that someday he'll be there to greet me in heaven. I love you Grandpa!
While visiting Grandpa and Grandma, Paige and Alaina sometimes got to play with their second cousins, Noah and Naomi.
Lainey just adored Noah and wouldn't leave his side.
So precious together.
Below is the video we made to celebrate Grandpa's life.
