Goodbye Grandpa Walsh

A few weeks ago, Ty and I received sad news that his Grandfather had passed away in the middle of the night. Grandpa Walsh had been sick with different illnesses for several years now and most recently had taken a turn for the worse. Recovery was getting harder to do with his older body and things began to shut down at a slow pace. Ty was able to go down to Oklahoma for the funeral and take a few days to spend with his Grandma and other family members who all gathered in town for the service. It was nice meeting so many family members who he'd never had the privileged of meeting before and also getting to hang out and talk with his Aunts, Uncles and cousins who he hadn't seen in over 5 years!

When he got back, we sat and talked about everything that had went on over the short 3 days he was there. Having to go on such sad terms, he couldn't help but return feeling so blessed for the opportunity to get away and have a reality check. It reminded us both how fortunate we are for 2 things in particular and coincidentally, they stem off of one another.

One: Our faith. It felt so selfish to be sad that the Lord had taken such a great man. As Ty's father put it, "He finally got rid of that ol' body." He had so much that ailed him in the last few months and years and now we know he's walking on streets of gold and singing with the choirs of angels. I mean, really?! Could we ask for anything better for a person? He doesn't have to make dialysis appointments or take any medication or feel the pain of an aging body, ever again. He's free! Praise GOD!

Two: Our Family. We have watched and heard about Ty's Grandma taking care of "her man," for many years now. As a matter of fact, she'd even saved his life more times than the Doctor's had. She was faithful to her groom even in the darkest times. I Cor. 13:4-8 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Grandma Walsh's love for not only her husband but her family and extended family has trickled all the way down to the dirty toes of her great grandchildren here in Idaho. We both agree whole-heartily that love has to be taught. Not through words but through actions. Ty and I are so fortunate to have such strong families full of mentors such as our grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings who constantly display this very thing called "love." With Ty's career, we know we will never live very close to family. However, we are blessed in the fact that no matter what, our group of family members never cease to show their love for each of us. Thank you. We promise that we will strive to continue this "love legacy" and to instill the power of faith & family in them too. Not by words but through our actions, just as it has been done to us.

With that, we miss you Grandpa Walsh but we know we will see you someday soon.

May 2006

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