Goodbye Grandpa

It sure wasn't easy to say Goodbye to someone as dear and as beloved as Grandpa Jerry...but today he was laid to rest in his final resting place after a beautiful funeral service.

Oh how proud Grandpa Jerry was of his five grandchildren.  Careline, being the oldest of the bunch, had an extra special connection with Grandpa.  He always had time for her...whether it be to play a board game, have a coloring contest, or sit together and search through the American Girl catalog to find what outfit she wanted for her doll Julie...and next thing you know, she would have the outfit (because whatever Grandpa's girl wanted....Grandpa's girl received!)  He came to so many of her soccer games even though he wasn't feeling the best...because he loved her so.  Grandpa Jer had to be smiling down today on his adoring eldest Granddaughter as even though she is hurting and missing him so badly, she participated in the funeral mass by reading the prayers of the faithful, many of them specifically about Grandpa Jerry.

Buddy and Grandpa were forever placing bets with one another on who was going to win this game or that game.  Grandpa was great at paying up when he lost but I don't think I can say the same thing about Braden.  Buddy was more likely to call Grandpa up and try to arrange a little double or nothing deal.  Grandpa lived for those phone calls though...he just loved hearing from the ones he loved.

Adeline likes talking on the phone just about as much as Grandpa Jerry did.  Every single time she was on the phone with Grandma Ellen the first thing she would ask to do is speak with Grandpa Jerry.  The conversation was short and sweet...but I'm sure it made his day every single time it happened.

Grandpa Jerry will be missed for these reasons and a million more.  These children will never forget the precious time they had to spend with him and will be reminded over time with photos and stories of just how wonderful he was.

Rest in peace Grandpa Jerry.