My mom's biological dad, Judge Walt, passed in Nov 2011, having a great physical body but forgetting who he was in his mind. And Her stepdad, Wallace Wolf, who was more a father than the 1st, passed on Sat. June 30th, having a weak physical body and great mind. Now I think Wally got the better end of the stick, being fully aware and connecting with this loved ones before he left to hang poolside with Jesus.
Now, while I didn't have much of a relationship with the Judge, Wally took a great place in my heart. Here is an excerpt I will be sharing at the His funeral later today:
When I think of Grandpa, I remember one thing he always did since I was little. Whenever we were together, He would ask how I am doing, what I am doing, and what I am going to do. And even if I didnt know, by him asking me it would help me to ask myself what I wanted out of life. Grandpa had such great patience, to hear my different answers. One year it was a doctor, and the next a hairdresser. He was always encouraging no matter what I wanted to be that day. The great part is that when I saw him again he would remember and make sure I was still on track with it. And again he'd encourage me to see things through. So I can say, He's helped me to live my dream.
Z
Also when I think of Gramps, I think of a man named Job in the bible. If you havent read it, you should. Its a really great story of a wealthy man, who God allowed to lose everything, wife and kids. As you all know, Gayle was grandpa's second wife, and Wally has a daughter who is not with us here today.
But the great thing about Job is that he never cursed or blamed God for what happened, but he lived his life as it came and rolled with the punches. As for Grandpa you know, he lived a life with such for forgiveness and mercy towards others it was incredible.
So God decided to blessed Job giving him more now that what He had lost before, and when I look at all the people in his life today, all the kids and grandkids, fam and friends. I see how blessed and loved Wally truly was.
And at the end of the story, it says that Job died at a ripe old age, having lived a long full life.
When I think of a full life, and what that means, Grandpa had one! He did lots of things, and has been lots of places, traveling the world. He knew a lot and loved a lot.
But now that Grandpa isnt around. I will make sure to ask myself “What am I doing today thats going to help me get to where I want to be?” -which is having lived a long and full life like Gramp. and I think we need to be like that for each other, helping each other live accountable to their dreams and what God has called us to do.
So If I could tell Grandpa one thing, it would be that I love him, and Thanks for being a Hero, to so many of us.
