blogger mom

These memories are all I can think about right now. My mind just keeps replaying all these sweet moments with my grandpa.

"I'll beard ya' Kerri Lynn"

"How's my girl"

hand made tags for my pound puppies

my monarch butterfly project in third grade

my valentine's day box in fourth grade

hide and seek with Ryan and Grandpa

watching him draw

the smell of the table saw in his shed

the smell of his car...dirt, grease, hard work, coffee, wendy's french fries, and old spice all mixed together

too much tape on Christmas boxes

grandpa the family photographer

counting ground hogs while we drove the back roads to pick up Grandma from work

watching him peel potatoes every Sunday for lunch

his rose bushes

the day he came over and surprised me with the cash I needed for our Nazarene Youth Conference. My parents were in a rough place financially and I wasn't going to be able to go. The smile on his face as he surprised me with the money I needed one bill at a time in the palm of my hand.

spending the night with my grandparents in college...relaxing together in the family room, grandpa in his chair, watching Gaither videos...tears slipping down Grandpa's cheek while Vestal and Howard sang "I Hold a Clear Title to a Mansion."

When I was about 17 we had a revival at our church. Nelson Perdue was preaching a sermon on sanctification and holiness. I remember feeling the need to go to the alter and pray. Growing up in the Nazarene church, I had heard plenty of sermons on the topic, but this one seemed to make sense and I wanted to pray. I knelt at the alter alone for a few minutes and then I felt an arm around my shoulder. I assumed it was my youth pastor until I heard my grandpa say, "Kerri Lynn, do you want to pray with me." I'll never forget that night.

And SO many more. I have had the great privilege of having this man as my grandfather for almost 31 years now. When I was eight years old we moved back to Gahanna and I lived in the same town as my grandparents for the rest of my growing up years. My grandparents were part of my daily life, such a gift. Thank you for moving us back home, dad. My grandpa could fix ANYTHING. My grandpa has never raised his voice at me, and has always treated me like a princess. I was his only granddaughter and that meant that I received some extra special treatment. He loved his family dearly, and treated my grandmother like a queen.

Grandpa, only a few more short days and you'll be home. Rest is coming. Rest well with Kimberli Jean until the rest of us can join you. I love you, Grandpa...so, so much.