Each Veterans' Day when I reflect about the brave men and women of our country that have served the person that comes to mind is my grandpa. He was a career sailor for the Navy and took great pride in that. This year he died shortly before the holiday, but forever his dedication will be honored.
My grandpa died unexpectedly from esophageal cancer a couple weeks ago. Now that I've gone through the range of emotions, it is time to honor his long life and keep the memories we have.
As I was growing up it seemed like my grandma and grandpa were visiting us from Florida every summer. They sat through the long softball tournaments, took many trips to Pikes Peak with us, and taught us their love for card games. I always looked forward to grandpa playing the "penny drop game" with us. He gave me my first job - waitressing for them at dinner and earning a nickel.
When I started teaching in Cherry Creek we had a fall break - a week off in late October, which afforded us the opportunity to visit Florida at a great time of year. We took advantage of this a few times and always made sure to squeeze in a visit to visit him and even got to introduce the kiddos to him. He never missed anyone's birthday, making sure each of us always felt special.
It's been a tough year losing both my grandpas, who both meant so much to me. I feel extremely grateful I was able to be so close to them both and have them in my life for so long. They've both left footprints in my heart and won't be forgotten.
The family on wedding day
(Uncle Don, Aunt Roxy, Grandpa, Grandma Fran, and dad)
Visiting Florida in 2006
Loving on Brooklynn
Chandler actually sat still long enough for a picture
All of us in 2010 for their last visit to Colorado
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