A "Dance In The Rain" Kind of Guy

What a day.

We all went to the family visitation this morning. And I know this may sound strange, but it's nice to me that Grandpa doesn't REALLY look like Grandpa. He's not here any more. His earthly body, while one of our most precious possessions... if you can call it that... has become like his watch given to James. Or his ring given Jena. It's just one of the most precious things we remember about him. For so long, that body has been everything we've associated with Grandpa. But the Grandpa we've always known is now completely free, and probably a fantastic jig dancer in heaven. :)

It's so hard. It's so hard to know we can't hear him tell his stories anymore. Now it's up to us to retell them as best we can. James mentioned "He was such a 'dance in the rain' kind of guy". And I can't think of a better nutshell description for him. Tonight was truly a testament to how much he was put on this earth to inspire, teach, love, and bring joy. The chapel was FLOODED with what seemed to be everyone from this county and all the neighboring counties. And Grandpa has passed on the torch to Grandma who is now THE CHAMPION. She was incredible to watch and be around this entire day. She is so strong. So loving. And so at peace. I hope to know that kind of strength one day.

We all have such a unique purpose on this earth. It sucks for all of us here that Grandpa had fulfilled his earthly duties. So we cry. A lot. And laugh. A lot. We all could have had a lot more Grandpa Dick in our lives.

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie