Grandpa

Last night, while I was out, I kept receiving phone calls like crazy from my family. Eventually, I looked at my phone and realized that it was my family. As soon as I was dropped off, I made a call home and learned that my grandpa had died. I don't have much time now to write how much he meant to me, but here are two things I remember most. I'll add more later.

One of my favorite memories is when Grandpa used to send us his "Math Tests" in the mail. Living across the country in Georgia, I guess he had to make sure we were receiving quality education. He would mail us large white sheets of folded up, butcher paper full of math problems. We were to fill out the problems and mail them back to us. He taught me the importance of doing well in school and always gave us incentives to do better.

The thing I remember most about grandpa is how proud he was of me, of us all. Over the phone, he always told me how proud he was--for going to college, for being involved, for making car payments, for going to church--I knew I was doing what was right when I received his sincere validation. I am grateful for the humility and charity he showed us all. I have learned to be a better person by watching his example. I am proud he was my grandpa.

I'm glad I know that he will be with my grandma for eternity and that, from above, they are routing for me...and the Mariners ;)

I love you, Grandpa.