Memories of him...

I was lying in bed last night trying to go to sleep and I started thinking about the time I was in second grade and Poppa brought my pet rabbit to show and tell. I don't know what sparked or triggered this memory but it's a good one. It reminded me of the little things that he did that meant so much. It's amazing to me that 20 years later I still appreciate what he did that day. Then I started thinking about the features of his face that told his life's story. I thought about the "flat-top" haircut that he had since before I was born. He was a soldier in WW2 and served in the National Guard until retirement and kept the haircut until death. Then I thought about how he'd be clean shaven from January to May and then he'd start growing his beard for playing Santa at Christmas time. The joy of a child seeing Santa did the old man's heart good. Then I started thinking about his blue eyes that have seen things in war that my mind can't comprehend, but were still windows into his gentle soul. His calloused hands were those of a talented carpenter. He hardly ever charged much more than the cost of materials because he enjoyed building cabinets and various other things. He was good husband, a great father and the best grandfather. I'll miss him until I see him again on the other side. It makes me sad that my children will never know him but am thankful that I see a lot of my grandfather in my mother. I believe that God sends great people into our lives to make us better people.