A legend of love.

Okay, so I was waiting to post this so I could include pics, but we just had a flood in our basement (due to a broken water heater) and I don't want to wait any longer.  So, here is an update on us without pics!  :)

Jeff and I made it home late Sunday night from Scottsdale, AZ.  We spent an extended weekend there, where we had a memorial for Papa, Jeff's grandfather (who passed away on Father's Day this year).

It was a good weekend of family and friends sharing in sweet memories of Papa.  We are amazed at how MANY lives one man can touch in such a positive way.  People from all over travelled to share in this time of celebrating the life of Papa.

What an inspiration.

Papa loved many openly.  He blessed many naturally.  He encouraged many genuinely.  He inspired many to do things beyond their belief in themselves.  He lived life fully.  He held back nothing, and went forth with such enthusiasm and passion ~ and passed this passion on to so many others.

His love for Grama was so complete.  All who knew him quickly knew how very much he adored his bride.  She was his diamond.  His jewel.  And he took care to make sure she knew it.  Daily.  They would even race to the calendar each morning, to see who could be the first one to write the other a love note on the day's date.  This,  after 63 years of marriage.

Their love has inspired many.  Including my sweet, precious husband.  Jeff carries on this legend of love, demonstrated by both of his now deceased grandfathers.  He also has his parents' example of true, unconditional, unguarded and genuine love..........

And I am the blessed recipient of Jeff's amazing love.  The beautiful generational examples that have so inspired Jeff, have now resulted in our own wonderful marriage.  What a precious gift from them to Jeff.  And from Jeff to me.  And it is my hope and intent, from me to Jeff.

We love you, Papa.  

Your legend of love carries on.

May you rest in peace.

WE MISS YOU, PAPA!

With much sorrow, I share with you the news that Papa (Jeff's grandfather) passed away last Sunday, on Father's Day.  The family void is felt by all of us already.  This great man had a huge presence, in that he lived life fully, laughed freely and gregariously and he loved passionately.  One could not help but be touched just by meeting him.  He would always make you laugh and he always left an impact on your heart.  Whether your encounter with him was brief or for many years, he made his imprint on your heart.  For the better.

Men are sobbing at this world's great loss of Papa.

I didn't know you as long as the rest of the family, Papa, but I am blessed for the time shared with you.  I will forever remember your huge smile that would overtake your face.  The way your eyes would dance with your love and excitement for life.  I will miss your great zest for life and adventure.  And your zeal to share those adventure-filled stories with Jeff and me.  I will always remember your natural way of chatting with strangers, as you would often make wait staff laugh and feel as though they were family.  Papa, you welcomed me into the family with open arms and an instant love.  I THANK YOU, PAPA!

I will always respect the way Papa loved his family.  His love for Grama was evident in all that he did.  And all that he said.  His love for her glowed from within every time he looked at her.  Joked with her.  Doded on her.  He loved his wife and all of his years married to her.  And he was proud to let the world know.  He often spoke to Jeff about the importance of keeping marriage Alive.  Fresh.  Full.  Real.  Jeff received those messages over all those years, and watched his Papa live out what he would teach.  Jeff now carries out those same intentions in our marriage.  I THANK YOU, PAPA!

Papa taught Jeff so very much throughout life.  From Jeff's young age to his present adult life.  Jeff and Papa shared an amazing connection as best friends, "coach," companion, and family.  Their relationship reflects a true example of genuine love.  Openly expressed love, adventure, and respect.  No regrets.  

Just sorrow for this early end.

You leave us empty at the thought of no more new memories with you, Papa.  Yet, you leave us so FULL of all that you were.  I carry with me the sweet times spent together and the stories you shared of your passion-filled life.  You've inspired me to live life to its fullest.  Every. Single. Day.

You have inspired your grandson in uncountable ways.  You taught him his love for the outdoors.  You filled him with his passion to live life to its fullest.  You showed him how to conquer each day without fear of failure ~ and how to pick back up if things turn out differently than you originally planned.  You taught "Juice" how to love completely ~ his life, his family, his wife, his work, and yes, his play.  You inspired Jeff in so many ways, Papa.  Your life reminds him that life is to be LIVED.  With a purpose.  A passion.  A joy.  You helped shape the wonderful man my husband is today.  And for that, I say again, THANK YOU, PAPA!!!! 

You may be gone from this world, physically, but your spirit lives on.  In each life that you impacted eternally.  We carry you with us and look forward to sharing your love and passion for life with our son. Your legend lives on........we miss you, Papa!............

Papa....The Great Packer....

One of the zillion days skiing with your bride....

British Columbia Fun with Jeff

More BC and mt and fishing fun with "Juice".....

Goofin' around....as always....

Grama, Papa, Jeff, Walt (Jeff's Dad)

Our wedding day.....love the tie, Papa!

Jenni (Jeff's mom), Papa, Molly (Jeff's sis).

  Grama, me, Papa alongside their pool

on a cooler AZ day....

 ......WE MISS YOU, PAPA!.........