83 Years Old.

My grandpa just passed away last week, on Ingrid's birthday actually.  He was sick for awhile and couldn't move, eat, bathe, get dressed, etc, so his passing was not a shock.  He wanted to go.  We wanted him to move on, be in a better place.  The memorial service is on Wednesday and I had to try to explain to Ingrid where we were going and why.  That is a pretty hard concept to tell a three year old!

His name was Laverne, I think that is so funny!  But for some reason people called him Pete.  He had huge ears.  He raised six kids in a small house and on a small salary and they all turned out great.  He and my grandma would have had their 63rd wedding anniversary next month. 

My sister was talking about remembering his big wet kisses and it got me thinking of what memories I have of him.  I don't remember the sloppy kisses.  I do remember him walking around in just shorts with socks pulled up to his knees and no shirt on.  He had chicken legs, just like my kids.  He had a very strict rule about no walking on the inside of a circle of chairs around a campfire.  Always walk on the outside, otherwise you might fall in.  This was driven into our heads from a very early age, and when Brendan was introduced to everyone I think he was yelled at a few times for not following it!

Grandpa had twenty something great grandkids, and I'm so glad to say he met both my kids.  Otis is named after his dad, so it was important for me to make sure he met the Bub.  I am so sad they won't remember him, but maybe Ingrid will have vague memories.  The original Otis, my great grandpa, died when I was really young but I do have some memories of him.  We have pictures.  They'll know who Laverne was.  Who knows, maybe my first grandson will be named after him!

Hope you're in a better place, Grandpa.  I hope your mom is with you and you're not in pain.  I hope you see us all on Wednesday and let the sun shine down on us.  I'll miss you.