Cousins and Grandkids

Completely Blessed

There are people in this world who grow up without someone to look up to, to be their role model for a whole host of things--being married, being a good parent, being a good steward of the land. There are people in this world who grow up without someone to come to their volleyball games and basketball games and track meets and marching band contests. There are people in this world who grow up without someone to give them M&M's. There are people in this world who grow up without a Grandpa.

I'm not one of these people. I grew up with an amazing Grandpa. He taught me how be a good partner to my husband-- listen, respect, let him be right some of the time. (He was married to Grandma for 62 years, he knows what he's talking about.) He showed me how to be a good parent-- discipline, compromise, but most of all, love. He taught me to take pride in the land-- Nebraska farmland or Oregon wetland, all have their purpose and place. He cheered me on at countless volleyball games, basketball games, track meets and marching band contests. He was always so proud of my accomplishment. I can't eat M&M's without thinking of him.

Grandpa passed away last week and I already miss him tremendously. There is no one to take his place. And really, no one ever can.