My Grandpa

Dawson G. Herbaugh

Sadly it is not often that large families get together unless it is for a wedding or a funeral. This week, for our family, it was a funeral...a time to remember our Grandpa Bear. He passed away last Sunday. We spent the week processing, planning and traveling.

Once we were all together we were able to share stories, pictures and memories of him. I am not sure if i dare say it, but before long we all started to enjoy our time together. At first that felt strange and not quite right but i honestly think he was happy with it. Happy that all the people he loved and cared about were together.

He did not want a lot of fuss and so we upheld his wishes. We just came together and remembered him. While we were there , as we hugged and cried, laughed and joked, i was reminded that these are my people. I should never take that for granted and should try to be together with them more often. Because these are the people who love you no matter what is going on in your life. So go hug someone you love!

This poem was on the prayer card at his service

"A Beautiful Life"

A beautiful life
that came to an end,
he died as he lived, everyone's
friend.
In our hearts a memory will
always be kept
of one we loved
and will never forget.