My Hero, My Friend

Today I have finally convinced myself to sit down and admit that in my selfishness I wish my Grandpa Calvin was still with us today. You see, I love my grandpa and was as close to him as most people are to their fathers.

Christmas 2007

Gramps was there for every school event, athletic event, dance recital, and birthday while I was in grade school, high school and college. He changed my diapers, cooked me breakfast, repaired my toys, put up Christmas lights because it made me happy, picked me up from school, taught me to work hard, mentored my dad, and the list could go on and on. But, most importantly he put God first and I recognized that from a very young age.
He loved me. Wow. Yes, he told me this every day, but he didn't have to because his actions and selflessness made it so obvious.

Christmas 2008

Em'ry's 1st Birthday-November 2009

Once I was married he continued to encourage me and offer advice. He recognized how special Greg is to me and welcomed him into our family with open arms. A few years later, there he was at the dedication of my baby girl Em'ry Dove. Greg and I were making a committment to do our very best to seek the Lord's guidance in raising our daughter and that was important to him. I spoke to Gramps on the phone every night and every night when nine thirty rolls around there is a lump in my throat because I want to pick up the phone and tell him about my day but I can't.

But, the legacy he left behind is so precious. I am so blessed by the time we had together and the lessons I have learned. I know that Em'ry is so lucky to have known her great-grandpa and it is obvious that he impacted her life in the sweet words she uses to speak of him everyday.

Easter 2011

When I was looking for someone I could spend the rest of my life with I asked God to lead me to a love as tender and unconditional as the love shared by my grandparents. My grandpa made a conscious decision to be the spiritual leader of his family and I'm so blessed to have found that in Greg. My grandpa is my hero and I will hang on to every moment we spent together and every word he spoke as they inspire me to become the woman God created me to be.


As much as I miss Gramps, I know he is happier than ever before. Not only is he spending every moment worshipping our awesome God but he is doing so alongside his sweetheart, Grandma Dovie. So, though it isn't easy I'll rest assured knowing that I'll see him again someday :)