Posted by Jessica Harvey on November 11, 2015:

My Grandpa lived an extraordinary life -- one that should never be forgotten. I will strive to remember, emulate, and honor his life for as long as I am alive. He was the grandest grandpa, and while I miss him every day, I find comfort and joy in the fact that he was mine. There is just so much to say about my Grandpa - he meant so many things and so much to so many people in this world. He never complained, and he never got angry. He had the kindest heart, and treated everyone who crossed his path as though they were so very special. He reminded me often of the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I believe this rule is expectation based -- with my Grandpa, there was never any expectation. He was deeply wise about so many things, was always curious, and always, and I mean always, wanted to learn. We once took a road trip across the country -- I think my Grandpa taught me something about every place along the way. My Grandpa was an observer of situations, and to quote one of the phrases I will keep with me always, he strived to be "part of the solution, not part of the problem." If everyone lived by those words, this world would be a better place - something I think my Grandpa truly believed was and is possible. One of the most interesting things about my Grandpa I learned after his death - he did not leave any instruction for his burial. And in fact, every time my Grandma posed the topic, he would change the subject. My Grandpa had a plan for everything, and had a schedule for everything! He had a pocket notebook and calendar with a pen, where he wrote everything down. He had a plan for everything, but not a plan for his death. I believe he did not make this last plan because he loved his family so much that he didn't want to imagine a world where he wasn't with us. He did not want to imagine a time when where he wouldn't be around to say grace at the table, teach us his wise words of wisdom, or smile with his kind smile. He knew how dearly he would be missed and it was hard to plan for that time. I know my Grandpa wanted the best for his family. I know he was proud of us. I know he loved us. And I know that although he is not physically here, he will always be with us. I know he wants us to be okay. He wants us to miss him, but he wants us to celebrate his life, and he wants us to be there for each other. He wants us to remember that this loss is serious, but also to remember that there are so many people who are going through the same thing. He wants us to be there for others, and he wants us to believe that faith will get us through.

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