Our grandfather passed away this last week, and I just want to share a few thoughts about him as I remember the man that he was. I met him almost 16 years ago shortly after I met Matthew. One of the first things that I remember about him was the GREAT love that he had for grandma. He loved her so much and did so many kind and loving things to show her that love everyday. After we met he showed those same kindnesses and love to me. I was pregnant with Ashley at the time, and had purchased a crib for $10.00 at a yard sale. You could barely call it a crib for it didn't look like much more then a pile of wood. MY grandfather took that "pile of wood" home and created a BEAUTIFUL masterpiece for Ashley. I loved that crib so much, and marveled at how he made it out of so little. Yet it seemed that he could do that with everything that he touched. He was the hardest working man I have ever met. He had the same touch with people, especially with children, and with the most important person to him, my grandmother. 
My prayer is that Matt and I might someday have the love that these wonderful grandparents have had toward each other!
We have been blessed by their unconditional love for each one of our children. I have marveled in the fact that in their eye's our children could do no wrong. Grandpa would stare at our children for hours watching their every move, or laugh, and wiping their tears away. He is gone for a time, but his memory is engraved in our hearts!
Grandfather
