Love You Grandpa!

Last week we had to say goodbye to a great man - my grandpa Charlie.  Although it was a shock and a sad time for our family, I feel blessed to have had the time I had with him during his long 91 years.  All of his 10 children were able to be there with him, and I know that was extra special to him.

Even though we always lived far apart, I always felt a closeness with him (and my grandma).  He was a loving father, a supportive husband, and an avid supporter of people with developmental disabilities.  In 2001 we were all lucky enough to celebrate the house dedication from the Rehab Center for my grandparents for all their tireless work.  In May my Grandpa was set to receive another distinguished honor from the Rehab Center, where they would name a warehouse center in his honor.

 I think Uncle Jim described his work ethic best at the funeral. 

"He taught us all many lessons, but perhaps the most important ones were to always help those who were disadvantaged in any way and to never quit because there is always work to be done.  All of us have a remembrance of a lesson we learned from my father.  My lesson was 46 years ago when I was cleaning the meat room at the Model Market in Allegany, I sliced my fingers and had to get three stiches in two different fingers.  He drove me to St. Francis to get sewn up and when we left, a right turn was home and a left turn was back to Allegany.  He turned left and when I asked him where we were going he said, “back to Allegany—you didn’t finish, your work isn't done”.   Well Dad, you’ve finished your chapter, and your work is not done, but it will continue in your memory, and you will be remembered fondly by everyone who knew you and all the lives you have touched."

You were an amazing person who inspired us all to work a little harder and care a lot more!

  My favorite pic - feeding each other cake at their 60th wedding anniversary party (the same year Steve and I got hitched)

 First time Steve met the family

 All of us

 In 2009 we were fortunate enough to have Grandma and Grandpa meet Brooklynn (about 18 months).  I remember Grandpa telling me he thought Brooklynn was so smart, and that meant so much to me.  I always thought he was a good judge of that!