happy birthday, Grampa Paul

My Gramps and me on my wedding day

As I am writing this, I realize that this will probably be published on June 9th, but June 8th is my Grampa's birthday.

It wasn't too long ago I wrote a post about my other Grampa. Well, let's just say last year was a difficult year for my family. My Grampa Paul passed away nine months ago, and today he would have been 83. 

Gramps was a difficult man to get to know, and somewhat intimidating. I remember how nervous I felt to call him up to tell him I was getting married, and his reaction sure didn't disappoint. I believe it was something to the effect of , " What?! Are you kidding!!!!???" As you can tell by the picture, he eventually warmed up to the idea.

Even though my Gramps wasn't the most sensitive man, nor was he open with his feelings, he never failed to let me know how much he loved me. I can't even count the number of times he would slip me a $50 bill for a little fun money, or send me e-cards, pass along helpful life skills tips, and show up to my softball games. Or that one time he drove 4 hours to pick me up and then take me to buy my first car. He was always looking out for me. 

My Grampa was articulate and intelligent. He lived humbly so he could give generously. He loved to eat. Watching him at Thanksgiving time was the best." Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm, this is SOOOOO good" he would say as he slowly (and I mean VERY slowly) polished off his plate. He loved his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. We would always here him pull up to our house with his dixieland jazz tunes blaring. He had a great appreciation for music and a stellar voice. He would always add a little bass line to any song he would listen to ..."bum, ba-bum, bumm". He loved to golf. He loved his family, even more than he loved his country. And that was a lot.

And he called me Andy. 

a very belated birthday present

For the most part, I've been attempting to make birthday presents instead of buy them this year. Unfortunately, I have failed miserably at getting them done in time. So far, my sister's gift is the latest. 

I finally got my sister her birthday present fourty-six days after her birthday.

I am a terrible sister. 

Also, instead of wrapping it, I had my little bro model it for her. He's such a good sport.

I found the tutorial here. The tutorial was great and the pictures were very helpful! The blogger mentioned that she whipped it together during her son's afternoon nap. I'm assuming her son napped for 15 hours or so, because that's about how long it took me.

Overall, I'm happy with how it turned out. But more importantly, I think my sister is too. 

happy birthday, Grampa Don

*I'm not sure how I managed to go through the whole day thinking it was the 17th of May, which is my Grampa's actual birthday...not May 16th. I guess that's what happens when I have a day off work. 

Today would have been my Grampa's 79th birthday. He passed away a little over a year ago from cancer.

He was a remarkable man. I know my words can't do justice. He was a strong, but gentle man. He was the definition of a hard worker. He loved everyone and judged no one. He was intelligent and innovative. He was humble and always cared for others above himself. He had a great sense of humor it was so cute when he would make my Gramma blush. He was the best story teller. He spoke with such wisdom and depth. He always beat me at zilch, but he could never beat my Gramma. =) I miss him more than I can express, but I'm so thankful that I got to have him as my Grampa.