Sweet Memories

 

My kids Grandpa passed away on Sunday April 15. We knew he had been ill and we had been hoping for the best, but it was not to be. Grandpa Joe was great for my kids, and for both of us parents too. He came into our lives when we were teens and became a solid force when neither one of us had much of one. He was hard on the people he loved because he expected much of them. He had a tender heart under the gruff voice and a brilliant mind. He never met a problem he couldn't eventually figure out. He built and invented several amazing things over the years. He taught my son to never say "can't" inspiring a school speech which he got an 'A' on.

 

 He loved babies and kids. He couldn't wait to get his hands on the babies around him. He was constantly amazed at people, either their kindness or their stupidity. He was big on second chances though and if you were stupid once it didn't mean you had to stay that way forever. He served in the Navy for 25 years, becoming the Command Master Chief of the USS Enterprise for a while and learning an extensive vocabulary which he worked hard to reign in around the kiddos. He loved fishing, boating, traveling and out door activities along with reading and learning. He was proud of his kids and did everything he could to support and uplift them. He's been there for us most of our lives and it's hard to imagine a world where his laughter and strength aren't there. We have sweet memories for which I am so, so grateful.

Traditional Irish Blessing

 

Duane Francis Colwell passed away this week. He was my Grandpa, and a Great grandpa to my kiddos. He was full of optimism, even when life was hard and his greatest joy was to bring smiles to the faces of those around him. He loved to joke and always had a zinger waiting for you when you might not have expected it. His life was not easy, and he didn't expect it would be. He lived and died on his own terms and in his own time. 2 years ago when he was told his cancer was extensive and he might only have 4-6 months left, he laughed at the doctor. "What does he know, anyway", he said. "I have things to do. I want to go to the casino, who's taking me?" One thing I remember vividly from my childhood was him walking through the orchards or just sitting outside whistling. He loved Irish Folk tunes and when I ran across the video below, it reminded me of him. We enjoyed the time we had with him and the things that he taught us. Miss you Grandpa.

My wish for youI wish you not a path devoid of clouds, nor a life on a bed of roses,
Not that you might never need regret,
nor that you should never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is:
That you might be brave in times of trial,
when others lay crosses upon your shoulders.
When mountains must be climbed and chasms are to be crossed,
When hope can scarce shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow with you
and let you give your gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name,
whom you can trust and who helps you in times of sadness,
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you:
That in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you and for all who care for you.
This is my hope for you now and forever.

-- anonymous Irish blessing

To Becky, the Chemo Warrior Princess

{source} Sarah Kang 

My sweet cousin Becky lost her valiant fight with breast cancer today at the University of Washington Hospital. She fought very hard against a very aggressive and difficult cancer. She kept her sense of humor and good spirits to the very end and everyone who was around her felt of her love and the joy. Her husband and young children will be very, very sad for long while, but having their mom's smiling face and laughter in their memories will help to carry them through. I know Becky is in the loving arms of her older brother Jonathan, who died 17 year ago, also from cancer. They all have a deep faith and testimony of Jesus Christ and have been stalwart examples of showing love in difficult times. She was a Warrior, a Fighter, and one of the greatest examples of humor, facing adversity, and faith I have known. I am thrilled she was part of the rich tapestry of my family. All my love Becky. Until we meet again.

In Loving Memory

Justin's Grandmother Evolyn passed away peacefully this morning after being ill for some time. She was happy and excited to "catch the train" as she put it. Our love and sympathy go out to her children, because while we have lost a grandmother, they have lost a mother. She was a no-nonsense woman who worked hard all of her life and took pride in her family. She is meeting her husband George at the station on the other side where I am sure there will be a glorious reunion.

She has requested no services be held and no fuss be made over her. If you are inclined to honor her memory anyway, as we are, you may made a contribution to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Her husband passed with leukemia a few years ago and further research in this field is needed. Our love and prayers attend her, in a quiet and non-fussy way.