If ever I doubted that family is more defined by love than by blood, all I would have to do is think back and remember Grandma & Grandpa Plass. It's taken me a while to write this because I really wasn't sure what to say. It didn't seem so very long ago when I donned my leopard print dress, a tribute to grandma, and said my last goodbyes to her...singing for her one last time. And somehow that day Chris and I had a feeling that Grandpa was listening, appreciating, and feeling that he was getting a preview of what his memorial was going to be like.
Grandma was his "older woman" being that she was 2 years older than he was. She passed away a couple months after they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. I got to be there to help them....and watched them renew their vows alongside Deb & Steve (Aunt & Uncle) and Mom & Kurt. It meant so much to be included in everything.
Even though we came into the Plasses lives as teenagers, they all welcomed us with open arms. Grandpa was always the calm, gentle soul...caring and always willing to talk or listen and support. Grandma was the fiery one...full of laughter and mischief.
Grandpa had been struggling with heart and respiratory issues for years, but somehow always seemed to come out on top. A few years ago he was even taking physical therapy to improve his strength. On Christmas '08 Mom & Kurt came down for Christmas and found out that Grandpa was on hospice. But still he was cheerful and upbeat. He stuck around to hold his great granddaughter, Camille, in his arms.... and to be able to see the photos of my wedding.
Although Grandpa was 94 when he finally answered his call to come home to Jesus, having been on hospice for a year, we should have been expecting it. But still, getting the call from my mom in January telling me that he was finally gone...it still shocked and saddened and hurt. I loved Grandpa. And I will always miss him. It was MY honor to be a part of his family.
The memorial is set for May. Chris, Mom and I will sing...and honor a man who knew what it meant to love his family...
Even though we came into the Plasses lives as teenagers, they all welcomed us with open arms. Grandpa was always the calm, gentle soul...caring and always willing to talk or listen and support. Grandma was the fiery one...full of laughter and mischief.
Grandpa had been struggling with heart and respiratory issues for years, but somehow always seemed to come out on top. A few years ago he was even taking physical therapy to improve his strength. On Christmas '08 Mom & Kurt came down for Christmas and found out that Grandpa was on hospice. But still he was cheerful and upbeat. He stuck around to hold his great granddaughter, Camille, in his arms.... and to be able to see the photos of my wedding.
Although Grandpa was 94 when he finally answered his call to come home to Jesus, having been on hospice for a year, we should have been expecting it. But still, getting the call from my mom in January telling me that he was finally gone...it still shocked and saddened and hurt. I loved Grandpa. And I will always miss him. It was MY honor to be a part of his family.
The memorial is set for May. Chris, Mom and I will sing...and honor a man who knew what it meant to love his family...
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