My Grandpa

My sweet Grandpa Barney passed away tonight. He had been sick in the hospital for a few weeks and we knew his time was near. So after our fun day with Paige we went to the hosptial to give him our love and to say goodbye. I am so glad that my family was able to see him

because just hours after we left the hospital so did he. These past few days with him in the hospital have been a little strange for me. I tried to keep a logical and positive outlook, one- to think that he could get better, go home, and live a few more years, and two- if this was his time to go I knew that he would be at peace and be done with his suffering. Either way I felt that I could handle whatever hand we were delt and that I would be just fine. As much as I thought I was prepared to hear the news that he was actually gone, the words still left me broken hearted and full of tears. I am lucky, I have had a grandpa for 31 years. I know alot of people who don't have grandparents and I am very blessed to have had one for so long. I also have lots of memories to keep with me, I know that my 2 older girls have memories to take with them as well. My 2 younger kids may not remember him but I am so greatful that I have pictures of him with all my kids. When they get older and see him in their scrapbooks I can tell them that they are sitting on there great grandpas lap and that he loved them dearly. My grandpa loved babies he was always able to get my kids to coo and talk to him. He always said "Tell Grandpa a story" they would look at him and just bable. My Grandpa used to count my ribs. He would say "We need to count your ribs" So i would go sit on his lap he would lift my arm start at the bottom and count up. I usually had only 6 or 7 ribs but every number was a silly anticipation because I knew how bad counting ribs tickled. I got to see him count all my kids ribs its a silly memory but I will always treasure it. He was also a great story teller and he had lots of stories to tell. I loved to hear his stories about when he worked for the phone company and about the war. He had lots of grandkids and great grandkids and he loved us all. Most of all he loved my grandma who died over 10 years ago. I am happy for you grandpa, I am happy becausethat you are not hurting anymore, I am happy because I know that you are finally at peace. I am sad because I will miss you dearly, I am sad because I will have to drive past your house that I have gone to for so many years and know that you are not there, I am sad because I wont be able to see you count my kids ribs or to get a scratchy kiss from you because your facial hair was so rough. I am blessed to have had you in my life for as long as I did, I am blessed to be a part of you, I am blessed that I have so many memories to choose from when I need them, I am blessed to have the gospel in my life and to know that this is not the end for us. I love you grandpa, I will miss you, go and be happy. Love, Nat