A Journey with Granddaddy

It’s been a long week already as I attended the funeral of my granddaddy.  A funeral of a loved one always puts things into perspective about your own life as well.    He looked so peaceful at the viewing.  In my mind I replay the playing of Taps and the folding of the flag from his coffin as we said our final tearful goodbyes on a hot South Carolina afternoon.   But then I remember all of the wonderful things my granddaddy represented and the love story of him and grandmother.   I find that I draw my sense of strength from him and my sense of humor as well.   I have grown into a successful and family focused person partly because of him.

It was a journey back to the past for me and all the good times shared with him.   The rides on the riding lawn mower, the family reunions, his love of sweets and a game of golf or going to feed the ducks at the lake. 

The day brought smiles as well. It was the coming together of family from all over the US over a meal before the service.  It was the gentle reminder to me from my grandmother after the service to keep the memories alive of granddaddy.   It was the innocence of my son’s face as he watched and heard in awe the 21 gun salute at the grave side service.

These memories along with others from the past will always be in my heart.  I have traveled all over the world but nothing feels more right than when you come back to a place where you have such fond memories.

You are dearly missed Granddaddy but I know you are at peace now.  Thank you for the memories.  Oh and….”Hot Dawg!” – you always made me laugh when you said that