Goodbye For A Little While
Hello friends, thank you so much for visiting with me today. Today's post is one that's a little hard for me to write, in fact I am sitting here almost at a loss for words. But I wanted to take a moment here on my blog to remember my grandpa Pete. Its now that I wish I were better with words. Because its so hard for me to express just how much this man means to me. How much he has impacted my life, and many, many others.
For those of you who have not heard, my grandpa Pete went home to the Lord last Thursday. (In case you might have been wondering where I have been, or why I have not blogged in about a week)... This past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. His funeral was yesterday and saying goodbye was very hard. Even though I know I will see him again someday, in Heaven, and its only goodbye for a little while its still hard. He is already very missed. Even know, I cant seem to stop the tears...
For those of you who have not heard, my grandpa Pete went home to the Lord last Thursday. (In case you might have been wondering where I have been, or why I have not blogged in about a week)... This past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. His funeral was yesterday and saying goodbye was very hard. Even though I know I will see him again someday, in Heaven, and its only goodbye for a little while its still hard. He is already very missed. Even know, I cant seem to stop the tears...
My grandpa, fondly known as "Grumpa" for being such a grump sometimes, was a strong and stubborn man! I believe it was about 3 years ago when we were told he maybe had 30 days left to live. Then last year there was a point when it was thought he only had a week left. BUT he didn't go, he kept on living. So as much as we all knew his time was soon, and prepared for it... I know that for ME at least it was still sort of a shock. I just kind of expected gramps to just keep on living, cause thats what he did!
Even though we joke about what a Grumpa he was, my Gramps was truly an amazing man and very loving man. He could be tough, be I believe he delighted in providing for others. I know many times I even felt a little spoiled by him. A memory that is forever locked in my mind is one when I was a little girl, and had to stay home sick. I got to stay with my grandparents, and my grandpa knew how much I loved strawberries. So he made me a strawberry shortcake (with ice cream) and piled on the strawberries, giving me the biggest ones he could find.
He taught me lesson and lesson. But one that came back to mind recently was how he taught me to work and earn what I have. And then to take care of what I have, when I have it. I remember being in high school, before I had a job of my own and needing money to go to a dance. I asked my grandparents if I could work for them for a little extra cash. So I came over and ironed my grandpa's shirts. And I remember his specifically talking about the fact that he had, had his shirts for over 20 years because of how well he took care of his things. I remember kind rolling my eye (not physically doing it) in my head... Like oh Gramps "what ever"... But I remember things like that because now when my kids wear through their clothes or shoes Im thinking: "My goodness, its only been 2 months... Look at my clothes and my things that I have had for YEARS, and they are still good as new!"
Wasn't my grandpa such a handsome man!
What I didn't realize then is that my grandpa had to work hard all his life to provide for his family... Even when he was younger, helping his parents and providing for his bothers and sisters. From what I know, I dont think he minded that at all. He just did what he had to without complaint, because he loved his family. And he continued the same as he got married and had a family of his own (6 kids!). And I believe he just wanted to pass those (wonderful) traits and lessons on. Which I believe he did. He and my beautiful Grams raised 6 amazing kids (my mom, Aunt & Uncles).
Not only was my grandpa a hard worker, but he was extremely talented at SO many things! This can could craft and even sew! YES, I got my very crafty nature and talent from my Gramps! He has won contests for floats he has made, cakes he has made. He also worked on cars, and gosh you name it, he could do it. He had an amazing imagination, and was a do it all kind of man. And I love that so much about him. It helps remind me that he is not completely gone, because we (his family) all have many traits that come from him.
I have been truly blessed to have such amazingly, wonderful and loving grandparents. I couldnt have asked God for anyone better. They truly are the best. I love my grandpa so much, and miss him a lot, but I am happy he is in Heaven, and no longer in any kind of pain or bound to a wheelchair.
As for my sweet Grams, well SHE is an amazingly strong woman herself. So loving, and patient, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She has been so strong in this hard time. I look up to her probably more than she knows. I love her so much, and feel so blessed to have her in my life. (Isn't she just so beautiful!)
Not only was my grandpa a hard worker, but he was extremely talented at SO many things! This can could craft and even sew! YES, I got my very crafty nature and talent from my Gramps! He has won contests for floats he has made, cakes he has made. He also worked on cars, and gosh you name it, he could do it. He had an amazing imagination, and was a do it all kind of man. And I love that so much about him. It helps remind me that he is not completely gone, because we (his family) all have many traits that come from him.
I have been truly blessed to have such amazingly, wonderful and loving grandparents. I couldnt have asked God for anyone better. They truly are the best. I love my grandpa so much, and miss him a lot, but I am happy he is in Heaven, and no longer in any kind of pain or bound to a wheelchair.
As for my sweet Grams, well SHE is an amazingly strong woman herself. So loving, and patient, and a faithful servant of the Lord. She has been so strong in this hard time. I look up to her probably more than she knows. I love her so much, and feel so blessed to have her in my life. (Isn't she just so beautiful!)
Peter Cordova - May 3, 1942 - March 26, 2014 My amazing one of a kind grandpa, I love you so much, and you will be missed!
P.S. My older sister, Mona, who has a much better way with words, wrote an amazing speech/tribute to my grandpa, if you are interest, you can read that here.
Much Love & Hugs,
P.S. My older sister, Mona, who has a much better way with words, wrote an amazing speech/tribute to my grandpa, if you are interest, you can read that here.
Much Love & Hugs,
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