The Joy of Human Love

How do you sum up one’s life? We try to with biographies, scrapbooks, and media, but none of these can truly capture someone as a whole. How can someone’s ideas, expressions, beliefs, opinions, spirituality, pains, & inner thoughts be gathered and documented together in a way that someone who never knew them would know them completely?

My Grampie died on January 21 and my Grammie followed quickly dying this last Saturday evening. Since they have moved on, I have learned so much about them I never knew while they were alive. Writing this is so weird since I kind of can’t believe they are gone. They have both been such a major part of my life that their deaths haven’t become a reality yet.  Words are beyond inadequate to describe either of their lives, but mention must be made of their greatness.

Grampie was very romantic and would write love letters to his sweetheart every year. One adorable tradition he kept for many years was to hire a quartet to come sing to Grammie on Valentine’s Day. He had beautiful penmanship & was a master card game player, especially of Hearts. He loved his grandchildren and tried the best he knew how to be a good example.  He had a beautiful singing voice and I loved when he would come sing while I played the piano.  Hours upon hours were spent on a fishing boat as well as in the scriptures. Grampie learned to be loyal to those he loved and to the Lord.

How to describe Grammie? One word comes to mind: charity. She treated everyone like they were her own children. Many grew to love her for her sincerity and sweetness. She suffered through more pain than anyone I know and never voiced a word of complaint. When asked how she was doing, she would only respond positively. Grammie never put herself first, and she could always be seen playing with and taking care of her grandchildren regardless of whatever other activity she may have wanted to be a part of. She has always been my hero and was a “tough old bird” to the end. When I grow up, I want to be like my Grammie. 

I’m so thankful she was able to join her sweetheart quickly because she missed him desperately and I have no doubt that he couldn’t wait for her to join him, too.

Here are a couple verses from a new favorite hymn that sum up my feelings nicely:

For the joy of human love,

brother, sister, parent, child,

friends on earth and friends above,

for all gentle thoughts and mild;

Lord of all, to thee we raise

this our hymn of grateful praise.

For thyself, best Gift Divine,

to the world so freely given,

for that great, great love of thine,

peace on earth, and joy in heaven:

Lord of all, to thee we raise

this our hymn of grateful praise.

I can't wait to see you again, Gram & Gramp.