Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Good Lookin' Grandpa



Since school has started, I have not stopped to think about what to write on here... partially because school is busy, but also because this past weekend, I went home for a celebration of my Grandfather, Ralph Milford Richardson's life. He died last Wednesday. I loved being home with my family, and loving on my step-grandmother who has never been more vulnerable with us. She soaks up the love and attention that we all gave to Grandpa in the last years of his life. He had struggled with his health for several years, since being hit by a car. It seemed to all go downhill since then. But thankfully, he can now see again, walk briskly, hear the birds chirping... those things sound so good, but he's probably just enjoying being in the presence of his Lord Jesus.

If I learned one thing from Grandpa, it was to save what you have, and be thankful for what you've been given. He was quite the penny pincher, and taught me to be practical (through my dad's example), but enjoy life. Every year, while he still could, we went to Cedar Point: America's Rockin' Roller Coast... He was a thrill seeker, even at 80 years old. He was diving into the pool with his glasses on, riding the Milleneum Force- he was born in 1920, bowling up until the week he died with no eyesight. I hope I am that vivacious at 80.