Saying Goodbye

For all of those who might have stopped by for a little Mingle Monday action, I'm sorry nothing was live yesterday, I've been a little distracted.

My sweet grandpa passed away on Friday, and left an incredible 88-year-old legacy for us to remember him by. That guy was the sassiest, most giving, funny, and most rebellious old man you ever did meet. I'm sure going to miss him. So, we piled in the car this morning and drove to Wichita to celebrate his life and be together.

Although he is no longer here with us, I will forever keep the amazing memories we made in my heart until we meet again. He taught me some of life's most valuable lessons...

1// It doesn't matter if it's 8PM or 1AM, it's never too late to play a wild rumpus round of dominoes.

2// Greet people like you've known them for 20+ years with wide open arms and a huge smile across your face, even if you met them yesterday.

3// Always put the border pieces of a puzzle together first... unless you're feeling like living on the wild side.

4// It's never a real party unless it's done Porter style. Everyone's volume must be way too loud, the living room has to be heated to a balmy 85 degrees, and the corner piece of the chocolate sheet cake must be MIA.

5// You can't spend a whole afternoon planting a garden, forget to water it, and be shocked when all of your plants die within a week (it's safe to say I am still working on this one...).

6// God first, other second, I'm third.

7// Sticking out your tongue at other people is always acceptable no matter what age you are. :)

8// You will never find the meaning of life until you give yours away. Seek out to serve people who desperately need to be cared for the most, and then put them under your wing and love them unconditionally.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

I definitely inherited a splash of his naturally rebellious side, and we always bonded by teasing each other. He was a family man to the core and truly loved his family fiercely. Now although he is no longer with us, I will always remember him and smile when I think about...

+ sun tea on the porch
+ a beautifully kept garden
+ sonic happy hours and cherry slushes that turn your tongue bright red
+ jello popcorn
+ puzzles and mexican train dominoes
+ elbow nudges after cracking a good joke
+ the phrase "cool it" and "the look" everytime I was being crazy (which was all too often....)
+ an afternoon donut run
+ illegally feeding the ducks despite the sign
+ a good Sunday church service
+ family time

Thanks all for the many kind messages and love already sent my way. I am just blown away by your thoughtfulness and it's truly been a bright spot of sunshine.

If you think about saying a prayer for my family tomorrow, that would mean the world to me. It will be a tough day, but we're looking for forward to celebrating a wonderfully lived life.


Miss you already, Grandpa!

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