It's an enigmatic phrase that we all manage to interpret in our own way, the pursuit of which leads us to curious, exhilarating, boring, and risky endeavors. Its overwhelming to consider the magnitude of this journey, and how little we know about anyone else's but our own.
I still don't know many details, I only just found out, but Grandpa went in about a pain in his abdomen. Two operations and less than a week later he passed away at 3:30 am in Utah on the 8th of November.
There is a lot about my Grandpa Max's life that I don't know, about his childhood, what he thought about school, his experience in the service, and on and on. However, I believe he filled his life with what mattered--things of eternal value and his passions.
Since I can't attend the funeral, I want to share some of my memories about who Grandpa Max is to me:
Grandpa must have taken me to see every Home Alone movie across the times we visited Ogden. He loved to take us out to have fun: to the ice rink, to putt-putt, to the fish farm, and skiing! The last of which became a passion of my own, depleting all of my funds freshman year... something Grandpa wouldn't have approved of... Grandpa was patient with me as I learned to ski, I remember getting pretty frustrated over it. But, he didn't pamper me. When it came to pouting, he'd tell me to toughen up and leave me whimpering on the hill. I'm sure I gave him the grumpy eye then, but I appreciate it now.
Grandpa loved to call me funny names: nickerbocker, nikolai, the nickster, nikkerbopper, nickelodean, ..... and then he would thump my noggin when I got out of line.
Grandpa loved sports. I think he probably shed tears the day I quit basketball. I remember one day he took me to the church around the corner from the house in Ogden and had me do basketball drills. He told me if I really wanted to be good, I needed to do those drills everyday. He also pushed me in baseball. When it came to golf, however, I think he knew it was hopeless and just chuckled at my blaster swing and many lost balls.
I have to mention my dad. Because we lived in Texas, I feel like a lot of my exposure to Grandpa was secondhand through my dad. As I got older, I realized how much they were alike. Now I realize that I know a lot more about my Grandpa than I thought I ever could've. Some of the characteristics that jump into my mind are fun loving, hard working, men of integrity, quiet but funny, and happy. It's also kind of funny how much they both like cars. Every time we went to visit Ogden, I was excited to see Grandpa's new Cadillac. When he switched over to the Lexus, I think the price of Cadillac's shares probably dropped. My dad has a similar fever for new cars ;)
Grandpa also heavily supported Tic-Tacs, Altoids, Certs, and the ice cream shops in Outer Banks, NC.
Grandpa Max was nothing short of a great man. I will miss him for the time being, while praying for Grandma as she makes this difficult transition. I am lucky to be born with such great heritage. I only hope I can live up to his legacy. Although taken by surprise by this rapid turn of events, I know it won't be long before we are all reunited. I love you, Grandpa Max.
4 comments:
I love this tribute to your Grandpa, Nick. I am glad I got to meet him many times through the years. I agree that you have a great heritage.
We love you two.
Wonderful tribute, Nick. Our thoughts are with you all. Love, Walt & Donna
Sorry to hear about your grandpa Nick. I'm sure it must've been hard to be that far away from family at a time like this.
Sorry Nick. But this was a nice post, and I learned a thing or two about you and your grandfather. I too love to ski. Maybe in two years we can go hit the slopes.
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