Grandpa

Grandpa wasn't at church this morning. The roads were slick and slushy. The side walks were worse. And it was cold. Rob and I slipped around a curve or two and almost turned around and went home. Church attendance was low.

It's not an uncommon occurrence ... we do live in Missouri after all. The weather gets bad. The roads get iffy. Sometimes Church gets cancelled ... other times you "make it if you can". Today was one of those days.

But Grandpa wasn't at church this morning. And I can count on one hand the times I remember that happening.

There are certain people in our lives that we somehow expect never to change. For me, one of those people is Grandpa. I blame it on the fact that for the first, oh, 19 years of my life, he didn't change a bit. He hauled wood (for himself and many others). He pulled people out of ditches. He worked cows. He climbed fences. He broke horses. He led horses. He did anything and everything an "old farmer" is expected to do and more ... and he did it better than most.

Then, what seemed like all of the sudden, he had a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. And he was "suddenly" old. And frail. And somewhere along the way he needed help hauling wood. And he couldn't climb fences. He lets other people work the cows. And sometimes, when it's icy out, he has to miss Church.

I *know* things like this don't happen over night. But I guess when someone doesn't change for 19/23 of your life, that last 4/23 seems awfully quick.

Grandpa has always been wise beyond measure. He is quiet and thoughtful, and when he speaks, you listen. Period. He is one of the most Godly men I know. And one of the strongest. And though it often hurts my heart to watch him grow older and lose his physical strength, I sure am learning a lot from him in the process.

*Grandpa has helped so many people in so many ways throughout his life. He has built quite a legacy. While it is often hard to accept that he now needs that help returned to him, it is amazing to see his children and others giving back to him. I pray I always remember to help others.

*Grandpa worked hard. Always. He has taught me time and time again not to be idle. Not to give up. To get back on the horse (both literally and figuratively). He has worked for his family, he has worked for his friends, he has worked for strangers, and most importantly, he has always worked for God. I pray I may remember not to be idle.

*Grandpa is a patient man. I don't have many (if any!) memories of him getting "rattled". He is calm and soft spoken and gentle ... he is a wonderful example of a godly Christian man. So many times I remember him having the right thing to say - a quiet word of wisdom, a calming voice. Now, his body often doesn't respond the way he wants it to. He falls down. And many, many times he has to watch other people do the things that he had always done before. And I know, I *know* it is terribly frustrating and hard to swallow. And I'm sure there is times it is almost unbearable. But his godly countenance has not changed. He is patient with himself. He is calm. I can almost hear him say "getting in a rush won't help anything". He does what he can. He graciously accepts help when its needed (which we all know is not easy to do). At a time when some would become angry with God, he serves God with all he has. I pray I can learn from his calmness and wisdom.

*Grandpa married a wonderful woman. And they have always taken care of each other. If ever Grandma wanted something done, Grandpa did his best to deliver. They raised 4 faithful children and helped raise many others. They've welcomed countless people into their lives and their home. I know it wasn't always easy. I know it isn't easy now. Yet they remain a wonderful example of what a marriage can, and should, be. I pray Robbie and I can follow in their footsteps.

*Grandpa is a strong man. Strength has many faces ... and Grandpa wears them all. He is strong enough to keep pushing and not give up. He is strong enough to be patient with himself and others. He is strong enough to remain faithful through each trial. He is strong enough to be caring and sensitive. He is strong enough to hold his emotions in check. He is strong enough to make it through and bring the rest of us through with him it seems. I pray I may emulate his strength as I strive to walk a Godly life.

I am blessed to have amazing people in my life. People that have not only taken care of their own families, but affected an entire community as well. People that I am blessed to call my family. People that I am lucky to love.

My Grandpa still has a lot of life left in him -- and a whole lot of teaching and serving God left to do. I am so blessed to be continuously able to learn from the example that is his life.

"Walking With Grandpa"

Rodney O. Hurd

I like to walk with Grandpa,
His steps are short like mine.
He doesn't say "Now hurry up!"
He always takes his time.
Most people have to hurry,
They do not stop and see.
I'm glad that God made Grandpa
"Unrushed" and young like me.