Grandpa Max
On Saturday, July 28, 2007, my Grandpa Max passed away from complications of leukemia. That morning I got to talk to him on the phone and tell him how much I love him. Max and I flew out to be with our family the next morning. That night at our regular 5:00 dinner at Grandpa and Grandma's house we told funny stories about Grandpa and even enjoyed one of his favorite desserts--hot chocolate pudding with a scoop of ice cream.
I was lucky enough to grow up 10 minutes away from Grandpa's house and saw him several times each week. Grandpa played catch with me in the front yard, taught me how downs worked in football, and attended all my dance recitals, sports games, and school events. Grandpa is the one who so subtly told me that I looked silly when I chewed gum and talked me out of doing it. I didn't know at the time that advice would help me attract my future husband, who hates to be around people chewing gum. He also gave shocking kisses, literally. Every time I left his house and I went to kiss him goodbye, I would get a static shock. 
A viewing was held on Tuesday, July 31, and the funeral on Wednesday, August 1. During the family viewing a couple hours before the real viewing started, Max was so concerned about Grandpa who was "sleeping." As we were getting ready to leave, Max kept going over and pointing to Grandpa and doing the sign for "sleeping." He didn't want to leave him there alone. Blake was able to fly in and surprise us for the 
funeral. I was so happy to have him there. My mom gave a wonderful talk and my dad did an excellent job dedicating the grave. Along with my cousins, Blake, Andy, and Tony were pallbearers and Max was an honorary pallbearer. It's always amazing to me how one person can affect so many people. During those two days I met a lot of people who Grandpa influenced in several different ways.
I am so lucky to have a Grandpa who was so involved with my life. I know without a doubt that he loved me. And I am a proud mom to know that I have a son who is named for someone I love very much, who has left an outstanding legacy for him to follow in and look to for guidance. We love you Grandpa!
9 comments:
i like this post. very nice. im glad you got to spend some time with your family last week. max is lucky to be named after someone so special to you.
this is a beautiful tribute, addi. i'm sure your grandpa felt as blessed and lucky--or luckier--to have you for his granddaughter. i never knew either of my grandpas--dead before i was born. gotta get these blogposts bound into a journal, for sure--this is a keeper.
What a great post. I love the pictures of him and all the little things that you remember about him. Max is a lucky kid to be named after him!
Addi.... Our lives have most definately been blessed because of Grandpa! (and Grandma) In more ways than we will ever recognize. He has inriched us by the way he lived, his beliefs, his values and the incredible man he is. We were lucky to have be taught through his action and word! What a Great Tribute! I know he loves you!... I do too!
Mom
I love this post. It sounds like the funeral was unforgettable...I kept thinking about you guys that day. I'm so glad Blake was there. It was so neat to be at the viewing - what an awesome grandpa.
What a special tribute to your Grandpa. I love the stories you would tell me about him. Your Max is lucky to come from such a great family.
You forgot to mention that Max was the perfect child during the viewing, setting an example for his cousins (once or twice removed???) and trying to fill Grandpa Max's shoes. Well done Max! Can't wait to see you.
As always, I am so impressed with your writing. You should start writing books -- the next Danielle Steel. Grandpa would have been so proud (or I guess I should say is proud). I feel equally blessed to have had you grow up 10 minutes away. You are an incredible person and I am so lucky to have you in my life!
Cindy also says that she will never watch "Peter Pan" again without thinking of Max.
I debated where to enter a comment on your blog as it's a phenomenal tribute on your significant life events. I often say life happens while we're waiting for it to happen. Hopefully you can look at your blog and see how rich your life has become. Sorry we missed the baby blessing. Your pictures of the beach are reminders how much I love the beach. Your tribute to Grandpa Max was very touching. You're a good mother! Keep after Mindy to "grow" her blog. I'll save this in my favorites.
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