Remembering

My grandpa Corky died on September 23, 2009. It saddens me to know that my kids most likely won't remember him, so I hope they one day read this and know what a great man he was. That's him in the middle. Josh's cute grandmas are on the left and my dad's parents on the right. His wife is somehow missing from this picture, but she's adorable and loved him very much.

I remember having dinner over at my grandparents' house sometime in my 20s. I must've been getting on in years and I'm sure more than one person was concerned that I never would marry. I remember so clearly when, out of the blue (as most of his comments came), he said, "Amy, when you get married, he's sure going to be a classy guy." Grandpa wasn't one to hand out the compliments willy-nilly, and, strangely, these words brought me a lot of comfort. He got it. Being of "marrying age" didn't mean anything. And I did, in fact, meet my classy guy. And he was worth the wait.

Grandpa was a provider. He provided for his family for many years and, in turn, provided for us as well. I have many memories of him and my family thanks to his generosity. And, most importantly, he created one of my most favorite people in the world -- my mom. She is hard-working, kind, generous, and extremely likeable, with a fierce love and loyalty for her family. She has been shaped by her parents. And, hopefully, I have by mine. And this is the legacy grandpa will leave. I love you, grandpa. Until we meet again.