i'm 36 years old and until now, have not had to say good-bye to anyone really close to me. this past wednesday, my grandpa passed away. next week i will be attending the first funeral i will really be able to remember. i'm blessed that God gave me plenty of time to prepare for this. grandpa has been sick in the hospital since march. my family was able to drive to colorado to spend a great day with him there in july. he was in good spirits, and i know he really enjoyed the visit. as for memories, i have a ton of them, especially from when i was a kid. grandpa was always full of stories, and he told them in a big, booming voice. i can recite most of them by heart.

he will be missed. i will think of him often. and i know he will have some great new stories to tell me when i see him again someday.

rest in peace, grandpa.