Friday, February 10, 2006

There Are No Words

My grandfather died today.

I got out of my trial early, so I went back to work this afternoon, as I have a lot to do. My dad called about noon (11 am his time) to tell me that Grandadder had a heart attack this morning and was being taken to Amarillo. He was stable, and my dad sounded fine, he was on his way to the hospital. He called me back around 2:30 to tell me Grandadder didn't make it. My Grandadder, my favorite grandparent, is gone. And I didn't get to say good-bye. That's what makes it so hard for me. I mean, he's 91, he lived a good, very fulfilling life. He died quickly, he wasn't sick or in pain, so that's a blessing. But I didn't get to tell him how much he meant to me. He raised me. He was a civil engineer, too. He loved to hear me sing. He loved to watch me play basketball in high school. He taught me how to fish when I was little, and he made the best homemade vanilla ice cream I have ever had. I had the rare opportunity (these days) to have a grandparent that lived down the road and I got to see him all the time. I cherish those days, and am so glad I got the opportunity to know a wonderful man.

So here's to O.V. Johnson, man among men. He put himself through college, served his country in WWII in the South Pacific, raised 4 boys, worked as a civil engineer for 30+ years, started his own business, saw grandchildren and great-grandchildren born, and spent the last few months bowling every day and bragging about it. He was an incredible man.

I will miss him.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

KL, I am so sorry to hear that. Our Sympathies to you and your family.

He sounds like a wonderful person to have had in your life.

tx water engineer said...

Katie,

Our condolences to you and your family.

You have been richly blessed with your family and especially your granddad.

I never had the opportunity to tell any of my grandparents goodbye. It is a thought that comes to me every now and then, but deep down I know that they know...ya know.

God Bless,
Cory

japruf said...

Katie,

Emily and I are so sorry to hear this. You're in our prayers. Of course, let us know if we can help in any way.

-RE

Pigs said...

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. :o(

Wes Raine said...

Katie,

You and your family have my deepest condolences. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Wes