Grandpa!

Today, May 19, marks one year since my Grandfather left this earthly world to enter into his Godly haven. This is both sad and happy for me. Sad because I can't enjoy being with him here anymore and sad that my children didn't get to know him better. Happy that he is no longer in pain and happy that he is finally with his Lord which is where he wanted to be. In the last few months of his life, I can remember every time I saw him, he would say, " I wish God would hurry up and take me, cause I'm ready to be with him."

My Grandfather was and still is a very important person in my life. Growing up as an only child and in a single parent family, he was the biggest male role model in my life. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My fondest memories are not big and fancy. They are the simple, everyday, ordinary things that are the strongest in my mind. My grandfather always had Wrigley's Doublemint gum with the green wrapper and he always carried a red leather coin purse with him. It was the kind that opened into a circle (kinda like this). I always thought it was so cool. He always smelled so good too. He wore OLD SPICE aftershave and when he would hug you, that smell would linger with you all day. I even bought some for Andy, so he would smell like Grandpa (kinda creepy, I know, I almost think it was comfort issue for me) Andy didn't care for it, so it didn't work out, probably for good reasons.

My Grandpa wasn't always a Christian. My Grandmother would take the kids to church every Sunday. Grandpa finally decided that if he wanted to be with his family(which was the most important thing in his life) he better go with them. He listened, learned and years later gave his life to Jesus. And when Grandpa did something, he did it with his whole heart. Sometimes, I feel like he was the best Christian I know. He would share his experiences with others and he was REAL. I think that is why so many people could connect with him so easily. I still miss hearing his "AMEN" after every session of the choir, special music, program or sermon.

My mom and I would go over to their house for dinner at least once or twice a week and we spent our weekends together too along with many others in the family (aunts, uncles and cousins). We all seemed to be together a lot. Things are still that way. We actually like to get together. The family has grown a lot, so it makes it a little harder to get everyone gathered up, but we do it! That would put a smile on Grandpa's face for sure! He was definitely the glue that holds us all together.

When I was pregnant with Maggie and found out we were having a girl. I knew her middle name would be Ray. After Grandpa! Most people spell it Rae, but I knew she had to be Ray. I wanted him to know how important he was to me and I want her to always remember that she was named after a wonderful man.

I miss him very much, but am so thankful that God gave him to ME for my Grandpa!

Here are a few pics!

My Wedding Day!

At a wedding, July 02!
Grandma & Grandpa were married almost 62 years!
How amazing is that!

Grandpa Ray and Maggie Ray
May 2003

Father's Day 2003

Max and Grandpa Ray
October 2004