Grandpa "Tick"

A week ago from this past Saturday, my dear Grandpa, and last surviving grandparent, passed.

I honestly hesitate to write about such an influential and wonderful human being he is/was, because I am not naturally elegant with my words, nor could probably every fully portray the feelings I have about such a wonderful man.

My Grandpa was the one of the most selfless people I've ever known, coupled with hard working, and even had a great sense of humor. I have many great memories of him and what kind of person he was during his life, and I have prayed to God that I'll never forget that.

The funeral in NV this past weekend was beautifully done, and even though there were many tears in the congregation, it was a wonderful celebration of his life, and knowing that one day we will be reunited with him again through God's love and mercy and through Christ's Atonement.

I am so happy for him to be reunited with his wife, and many other family and friends who have gone before him.  I envision him walking freely with no pain nor ailments with a big smile on his face and that brings me happiness and peace. All those who knew him were touched by his example of how to be a man, a father, a husband, and a productive citizen.  I look forward to the day when I can see him again in his perfect state, and with open arms says, "Welcome home, my favorite grandchild."   (ok, I had to pull a funny somewhere) 

Me and Grandpa

Him in the middle. He was SO handsome! My Grandma did well.

The physical representation and reminder that my Grandparents are now reunited.

What a beautiful thing.

Hostess

As I'm sure you all have heard, Hostess the company went bye-bye.  American's everywhere were weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and not to mention frantically raiding store for the last few Twinkies.

Honestly, I never was a big fan of their products- I never liked Twinkies (gasp! Am I American?!) (google spell check tells me to capitalize Twinkies. What the?) And if I ate one of the cupcakes, I would eat around the filling. 

One person I thought about when I first heard of this, was my grandpa. Towards the beginning of the year, we celebrated with my dear Grandpa on his 90th birthday.  Anyway, many many years ago, he worked for Hostess, I believe as a distributor (is that right family? Don't be mad if I'm not right on specifics...I'm still the favorite, a close second after Annie, obviously).  My mom still has one of his Hostess t-shirts, which I loved as an awkward teenager.

Then I realized today, Grandpa out-lived Hostess!  Way to go, Grandpa!  That's quite the accomplishment.

I'm trying to convince my mom to have him put on his old Hostess t-shirt sometime over Thanksgiving- I'll be sure to post a picture if this happens.

90

Today is my Grandpa's 90th birthday!

This past weekend we celebrated it in Vegas where he lives with my aunt.

My aunt and mom put together a book for his birthday, full of love notes and memories of my Grandpa from family members and friends.  He is such a good man that is loved by many; I loved hearing the kind words and funny stories about him over the years.

Love you Grandpa!  Happy Birthday.