It is the one year anniversary of my Grandpa Mason's passing. It was the first time I've ever lost a close relative, and it was a significant loss. I knew that my grandpa had a pretty big influence in my life, but I never really realized how much of an influence that it was until after he was gone.
It was three weeks after my 19th birthday. I knew that his health was slowly declining, but I didn't think he would die. Any time he had health problems or had to to go the hospital, he pushed through and was back to himself. My grandpa is one of the strongest people I know. I always thought he would live to be 100 years old, and I've thought so since I was a kid. I was about 10 years off since he passed at 90. Even then, that's still a lot longer than some people. I remember him in his last few days. He wasn't his normal self...but dying is a part of life we all have to come to terms with.
I knew he was going to pass the next day because I couldn't sleep right away. A dream woke me up crying in the middle of the night. It was him telling me that he was leaving. I was rather stoic when I heard the news because I knew he had passed. A couple of days later came the funeral, which was a small grave side service with immediate family members only. His dearest and closest friend, who was also his pastor at church, led the service. I spoke at the funeral with a eulogy that I wrote a couple of days prior. As a speech competitor, that was the hardest speech I had to give. It had nothing to do with memorization, but keeping it together emotionally (which I failed to do). I knew that this was something I had to do for my grandpa because he deserved a eulogy at his funeral. After the service, I was approached by his friend and pastor (who I hadn't seen in nine years) and told that I spoke beautiful and very true words. Not only that, the funeral director told me that, out of the 10 years he's been in this business, my eulogy was the best one to remember a grandfather that he's heard, and he hopes that his grandchildren will remember him like that some day.
In short, my grandpa will always be remembered for his high intelligence, kind heart, gentleman like qualities, stubbornness, work ethic, humbleness, and his gift for working in his work shop. He will also be remembered for his quirkiness, and his sense of humor. At first, I awaited the "signs" to see that he was here with me. The first time I visited his grave, when we arrived at the cemetery at first, it was cloudy. As I stood at the foot of his grave, I started sweating. The clouds had diverted to where the sun was on me directly like a spotlight. The next day I visited and sat down by his grave, I felt as if someone was sitting with me, even though I was alone. The spot next to me was really warm, and I believe that it was him sitting with me. Any time I travel for speech and debate, we always drive by a Masonic Lodge (he was a part of the society for 65 years). Any time there are red roses, I think of him because there was a rose bush at my grandparents' house that he would take me to so that we can cut off a rose for me. I have inherited his stubbornness, work ethic, and intelligence.
The year flew by quickly ever sine he passed. I wish he was still alive, but I know he's always with me. Our last conversation was us telling each other that we'd see each other tomorrow. I know that he will be with me tomorrow, and many more tomorrows. Continue to rest in peace, Grandpa.
