Grandpa

This week has been difficult. My Grandpa Herb passed away. I've struggled with how to convey this, but I can't simply gloss over it. I have been shielded from death for much of my life. I've only been to three funerals in my life, two in the last three months. This is a strange sort of grief. It's the kind that leaves me baking a big pan of mac and cheese at 9 PM just because I want some. It's the kind that finds my whole family lingering around a grave site in the cold. Tears are abundant, but there are also pockets of laughter and joy, celebrating a life well lived.

Today in Sunday School, we were asked to sum up our current attitude in one word and discuss it with those at our table. Obviously, many words floated through my mind, but one word rose to the top. I realized that I am grateful.

I am grateful for the 700+ people that waited in that long line at the visitation to greet my family and give tribute to Grandpa. Whenever I went anywhere with Grandpa, inevitably there would be people who knew him. As I was standing in the church, I realized that these are all of those people that we stopped and talked to.

I am grateful for the opportunity to hear all of the stories those people shared, stories of generosity, humility, and leadership. I learned that Grandpa was never hesitant to give, even when the recipient was undeserving or unappreciative. When you made mistakes, Grandpa was the one that you could come back to no matter what. Grandpa was in leadership on school boards, church boards, the 4-H fair board, the homeowners association, and others I'm sure. One man who served with Grandpa on a few boards said that you always knew things were going to get done when Herb was on the board. Grandpa owned the Farm Center for 40 years, but the business closed in the early 90's. I met many of his former employees, even an employee that was let go. What a testament to his leadership. Who attends the funeral and has only positive remarks of a boss that fired them 25 years ago? The stories were abundant and an incredible blessing.

I am grateful to be a part of his family. As I have gotten older, I have learned that this family is unique and wonderful. We depend on each other, help each other, and love each other well.

I am grateful to have been his granddaughter. What an honor it was to be his granddaughter. Even though Grandpa was involved in so many other areas, he succeeded in making each grandchild feel special. His mantra, after all, was that family comes first. Many people say that, but he actually lived it. Some of my fondest memories are sitting on the picnic tables at the upper deck of the Overholt Arena watching the Bulls and Barrels competitions. We'd guess the scores of the eight second rides, and debate the accuracy of the judges. I loved going to any rodeo with him, but the little Overholt rodeos were my favorite. The annual family retreat was always an incredibly fun and special time, and Grandpa made that happen. For our birthdays, he and Grandma took us out to eat anywhere we wanted. When I went off to college, I appreciated his regular phone calls where he was "just checkin in." He always reminded me that he and Grandma prayed for me and my cousins every morning at breakfast. Grandpa enjoyed leather work, and one year, he made me a leather picture of my horse, Clyde. It was so meaningful.

I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on Grandpa's legacy. It's not only an opportunity; it is a responsibility.


Elkhart Truth article

Goshen News article