Grandma and Grandpa

My dear grandpa, Ed Brown, passed away on June 2, 2010, at 83 years old. Grandpa's obituary and funeral were reflective of a life well-lived.

Grandpa and Grandma were married for almost 60 years. They had 9 kids, 18 grand-kids, and 2 great grand-kids. My grandpa served as both Local and State President for the Cabrillo Civic Clubs. He was in the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight. He owned service stations throughout San Diego for over 30 years. He served as an usher at St. Agnes Catholic Church for over 30 years. To say the least, my grandpa was an amazing man.

I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with my grandpa. With the exception of when I was living in Texas, I have spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with my Grandma and Grandpa. When we moved back to San Diego from Texas, I spent most of my summer days with them, and would attend Mass with them on Saturday nights and then we would go over to their house for pizza. :)

More recently, I would drive my Grandpa to some of his doctor's appointments, I would take my grandparents shopping, or we would go to eat or to a movie. I considered it a great blessing to have grandparents still alive, who live so close, and who are pretty Bad-ass. That's right, I said it. They are bad-ass.

My grandpa is in Heaven, where he is free, with no more cardiac arrest, no more diet limitations, and as many John Wayne movies as he wants. In fact, he is with John Wayne. Grandpa is at peace.

Though I miss him like crazy, and can't imagine the ache in my grandma's heart, as her love of nearly 62 years is no longer here.

I believe that Christ has commanded that we love our neighbor. To go even further, it is written in James that we should. "look after orphans and widows in their distress". The hard reality is, we often forget to do this.

My challenge to you, is that you would call a "widow" or "orphan" today. This may a be literal or figurative widow or orphan. It doesn't matter. Just be there for someone that is experiencing a loss. We all are.

I love spending time with my grandma. I always have, but even more so now. I love going over for dinner, driving Grandma to church, taking her shopping, watching movies, and just catching up on life. I am sure to call her and/or spend time with her once a week. I don't want to take this time for granted. I want to take advantage of the time I have with one of the most wonderful women I have ever met.

Call your Grandma.