16 July 2007

Back to Utah for a Funeral

Well, as it turns out I will be back in Utah much, much sooner than I expected. My grandpa passed away on Sunday, so I will be flying up for the funeral this Friday.

My grandpa was great. He was the classic grumpy old man. Well, maybe not the classic style, but grumpy in his own right. In spite of his grumpiness, he always showed a lot of affection towards me, and I am greatful for that.

I believe that I was the last person, other than my grandma, to talk to him. On Wednesday we took grandma to see Harry Potter. When we dropped her off, my mom suggested that I go inside to say goodbye to grandpa since I was flying back to SoCal in the morning. I did. We chatted breifly. He asked how my business was coming along. Then just before I left he said, "Well, God bless you in your business." Then he paused momentarily, looked me in the eye and said, "And God bless you too." I thanked him and bid farewell. The next morning he had a heart attack and slipped into a coma. He passed away on Sunday afternoon.

Last summer I took the opportunity to sit and video tape him and my grandma talking about their lives. I was mostly interested in capturing his stories of WWII. He talked about that, and then they both talked about growing up in the Great Depression. I've been reviewing the video and trying to get a DVD together to give to all my aunts & uncles this weekend. It's a labor of love, because I really hate doing video editing, but it needs to be done. And I know that everyone will think I'm the best nephew ever for doing that. :D

I recommend that all of you take the time to sit and really get to know your grandparent's history before it is too late. I couldn't be any more pleased with myself for doing that. I captured their memories in a way that a journal or word-of-mouth stories never could.

I love you grandpa!

6 comments:

Blueyedane said...

Max,

I am so sorry for your loss. I recently lost my grandfather to. It was hard. I loved him alot. He was the kindest person I know. I got to go back to Denmark before he died. When I got back and he was able to see the pictures of the loved ones he left when he moved to America I almost couldn't hold back the tears. He was emotional to. I was blessed to have him in my life. I hope that you will have a safe trip back up here and I will pray for you and your family.

Kengo Biddles said...

My condolences, and bon vent for your aller-retour.

Abelard Enigma said...

My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Saying goodbye to a family member is never easy.

Sean said...

Grandpa's are fun and wonderful people to know and have. I am glad to hear you got to know and love yours.

My condolences and heartfelt sympathies to you and your family at this time of loss. May you find comfort and peace.

Chris W. said...

I am sorry about your grandfather. I send my condolences.

Max Power said...

Thanks for the condolences guys.

And Danish Boy, I'll bet that a full massage from you would help comfort me. You busy on Saturday? j/k :)