Thursday thank yous....

On September 16, 2012 my Grandpa Linford died at the age of 84. I really wasn't sad, I will miss him, but I wasn't sad. My Grandpa was a big man, a strong man and an honest man. He lived an amazing life. He raised 6 kids who grew up to be awesome people. One of them I am lucky enough to call Dad. He owned a business with his brothers and he had a reputation with his competitors of being absolutely honest in his dealings. He was very active in his church and was very dedicated to his God. He never said no to a church calling or a request for service. Grandpa met the love of his life in highschool and was married to her for 68 years at his death. He considered her needs above all else in his life. He was such a great grandpa, he called me Shelly-belly puddnin pie until the very end. On the Tuesday before he died I went to visit he and grandma and I sang a song to him that I knew he loved. As I have loved you, love one another. He thanked me and told me it was nice, with his weak and raspy voice full of love. I will miss him. My Grandpa had been in so much pain for the last years of his life and he was living a life where people had to help him with everyday activities, this was hard on him. He was always a very proud man. I am so thankful that my Great-Grandma Linford was able to take her youngest son in her arms on that Sunday morning and welcome him home. I am so thankful that my Uncles now have the last of their brothers with them. I am so thankful that my Great-Grandpa Linford finally gets the chance to tell his youngest son how proud he is of him and how much he loves him. I am so thankful that my baby Julia is sitting on her Great-Grandpa Linford's lap getting her tiny knees tickled. Of all these things I am most thankful that my Grandpa is again whole, strong, and pain free. I am honored and thankful to be the Granddaughter of Dale Hodges Linford. I miss you grandpa, until we meet again, I love you.

Until later, Hugs, Shelly