Posted by Lindsay Eierman on July 12, 2011:

A few days after I arrived in Mexico to work abroad for the summer, we found out that the cruel disease we call cancer had invaded the liver and pancreas of Poppop. I was angry, confused and disgusted that my grandfather had to suffer with this pain. He maintained a healthy lifestyle. He visited the doctor for regular checkups. He was a strong fighter who did not let anything get in his way. He did not deserve cancer. Did you hear me, God? He did not deserve cancer. It is so easy to think of cancer as the unconquerable disease. But then I am reminded of those special moments during Relays for Life I attended in years past. Those crowds of smiling survivors. Those glowing caretakers tightly gripping the hands of their loved ones. So full of joy, so happy to be alive, so full of hope for others fighting the same battle. One thing I really love about my church's Sunday services is that they dedicate time each week to celebrating birthdays in the congregation. People with a birthday that week come to the front and receive a prayer, a song and dozens of hugs and kisses from fellow members of the congregation. In the midst of so many prayers of petition, it is a beautiful reminder to offer up prayers of thanksgiving in celebration of life. My grandfather lived an amazing life. He served in Vietnam and was the treasurer of West Point. He and my grandmother raised three of the dearest human beings I know. He had a voracious hunger for history, an insatiable curiosity about other cultures and a magnificent appreciation for nature. About ten years ago, he and my grandmother sold their house and lived in an RV so they could be nomads around the US. Two years ago, they cruised around the entire continent of South America. I was with my grandparents when I took my first step and I suppose I learned from their example how to travel through life, as I have caught their travel bug. I've always admired their spontaneity and sense of adventure, but as of late I'm coming to realize the beauty of my grandfather's commitments. He is committed to joy - his contagious belly laugh fills a room like sun rays. He is committed to my grandmother- he has cared for her and has welcomed her care of him, even when it means saying no to that extra slice of chocolate cake. My grandfather is committed to West Point - he attends every home football game possible and continues to hang out with friends from his time in school there. Although I wasn't able to spend time with Poppop between the time we learned about the cancer and the moment he went up to heaven, I'm thankful that my grandmother, my mom, my aunt, my uncles, my dad and my cousins were blessed with family time to celebrate my grandfather's life and to hold his hand as celebrated his last few weeks of life. I'm thankful that my grandfather touched the lives of the nurses and doctors and hospice workers he got to knew in Durham. I'm thankful that my church here in Mexico has lifted up the life of my grandfather in worship and prayer. Poppop, you left too soon, but you had an honorable departure from this earth. Your spirit is still present in all those who had the pleasure of knowing you.

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