RaVae EricksonThere aren’t many people I have known my whole life, but he was one of them.
My Grandpa passed away around 12:30 in the morning on Saturday, March 26th.
The last time I talked to him I sang him “Happy Birthday” with Hubbin. He was in the hospital then, but we had caught him at a time when he was both awake and in a pretty good mood. Grandma said he smiled the whole time we were singing. When we were done singing I tried to talk to him for a few minutes, but he got off the phone when he couldn’t hear me very well. I don’t remember if I told him I loved him before hanging up with him that day, but I’m sure I did. And if I didn’t, I know in my heart that I loved him and he loved me. I guess in the end that is all that matters.
He was 82 years old and had been ready to go home for a long time. I’ve never known the kind of faith it takes to believe someone is in heaven until now. What if he didn’t take that step of accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior? That is the question that haunts me about his death. Not that he wasn’t here for something, or will miss meeting our kids, but “did he know Jesus?” Dad says he did, the pastor said maybe. I guess I won’t know for sure until its my turn to go. I only hope I live a life like Grandpa did, one filled with family, friends, practical jokes, fun, and love.
I know I’m rambling, and I’m sorry for that, but this is where my heart is right now. Not quite coherent yet. Not yet able to put it all together into the beautiful picture that was my Grandpa’s life.
I remember meeting Grandpa and Grandma at the Dairy Queen in Belfield. They would meet us there when we got into town and we would run over to their car and hug them, then drag them inside for ice cream! Grandpa always walked at his own pace, a little slower than most, but that was ok. He made you take the time to “stop and smell the roses.” I remember slowing down on the way inside one time so I could walk with Grandpa. I remember talking to him about his western novels and his bizarre love of the game solitaire-he got me addicted to it! I remember following him on the way into Dickinson to try to get my windshield fixed before driving ten hours home the next day. We had somehow gotten ahead of him, so we pulled over to wait for him. But really he was ahead of us and turned around to make sure we were ok.
We were in Nodak Land last week for Grandpa’s funeral, which explains the lack of posts. We had a good time with family remembering all that Grandpa was and always will be in our hearts.