We thought about you today

But that is nothing new

We thought about you yesterday

And days before that too

We think of you in silence

We also speak your name

Now all we have are memories

And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake

With which we'll never part

God has you in His keeping

We have you in our hearts

~Author unknown

Grandpa was two very important things to all of us - the very best example of how to be a parent (and grandparent) and friend. He said yes anytime someone needed him. But he also knew when you were able to do something for yourself, and he would show you how rather than do it for you. Always genuine, thoughtful, kind and sincere. We missed them every winter when they would enjoy better weather and friends (that were like family) in Florida, and celebrated their return every summer with his birthday celebration during the Kentucky Derby. He asked for nothing and gave everything he could.

Growing up I didn't fully appreciate the job he took on being a stepparent to my mom and her 3 siblings, and their spouses, how well he did it. Until I became a stepmom, and I thought so often of how he made it look so easy. I tried to be like him. And I wish I had told him that. But we all loved him so much, so I hope he knew that's because he'd been such a wonderful parent, grandparent, and friend.