Until We Meet Again

Well I said I would get around to posting the letter I wrote for Grandpa's memorial service, so here it is:

DEAR GRANDPA

Writing usually comes fairly easy to me, but this is probably the hardest thing I will ever have to write. I have to say, as difficult as this is, it is the least I can do to say Thank You.

One of my earliest memories of you is being in the garage with you and dad while you were working on cars. Every time I go into a mechanic’s shop now and smell that grease and exhaust smell, it brings me right back to those days in the shop as a kid and it is almost like I get a sense of pride. It is kind of hard to explain.

You taught me more than I could ever learn from books or from school. You taught me dignity, hard work, humility and independence. When we slouched, you insisted we sit up straight. You demanded that we treat others with the same respect as we wanted, because that’s what everyone deserves. You taught us to be honest and speak our minds, but to never be disrespectful…which brings me to the one and only time I ever remember you being upset with me. I made the mistake of back talking grandma. And anyone who knows our family knows that is a no-no!!! To this day, I have never seen anyone yank a belt off of their waist any quicker than you! I took off the porch 90 miles an hour, and had you had any shoes on, I would hate to think what would have happened when you got ahold of me! I would have rather taken that spanking any day though over having you upset or disappointed with me.

You were tough but you always acted out of love. You always knew best. And that is not to say you were always about discipline. There are so many good times I had with you that it’s hard to remember them all. From fishing with you, working in the garden, to going to the races. One of my favorite memories growing up was watching you hand feed the deer off of the back porch. You always had a way with them and were the only one they would let near them. Even animals had the same trust in you that we all do.

One of my favorite songs is Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground”. Every time I have heard it over these last few months, it has made me think of you. I considered you my angel flying too close to the ground and now I find peace in knowing you are my guardian angel.

I know you are in a better place and are in heaven watching down on us. You are probably up there shaking your head at my bad posture, your grandsons’ long beards and their shaggy hair, but I am sure you are looking down with pride and love at the family you built.

I know I can speak for all of your grandchildren when I say we all miss you, but we will never forget you because you have imprinted yourself permanently on our hearts. We will love you always!

Until We Meet Again!

Love Ashley

I had been looking for a sign from him the whole time up until the Memorial Service. I got it as soon as I walked in the door of the church. I had closed my letter with "Until We Meet Again" and the bulletin handout for the services had this on the cover: