It was later in the evening on May 20th when we got the call that Grandpa Pebley had died. It was a bit of a surprise, and we instantly shed tears. You see, Grandpa is the kind where 81 years just wasn't enough. Had he lived to be 100 I think we'd still feel like we got robbed of fun times with him. As we talked and cried and cried some more, Nate said, "He was my second dad." He really was. Nate has so many sweet and fun childhood memories of being with Grandpa.
I mean look at this guy. He was always a good time.
But he was also smart, loving, and could build or fix just about anything. It was about six and a half years ago that Grandpa went to Pottery Barn, measured out the Farmhouse bed, and then made it for us as a wedding gift.
Already since he's been gone, we've needed his advice on two projects. Oh, Grandpa what will we do?
Grandpa's passing brought all of the family together. On Memorial Day we had a barbecue and got to know Grandpa's brothers and sister.
One of Grandpa's brothers shared that long ago when Grandpa was just a young man a drunk guy walked into a bar, put $20 down on the pool table, and challenged anyone there to a fist fight. Grandpa walked outside with the guy, was gone for a few minutes, came back in, and put the $20 in his pocket. The guy then walked in and was a wobbly, bloody mess.
What? Our tenderhearted Grandpa? We couldn't help but giggle a little about that one.
Grandpa was also a decorated war veteran. He received a Purple Heart during his service in the Korean War. Those years must have left some very deep emotional wounds as well. He wouldn't talk about his military service much.
He would have loved that all of his family was together, but been maybe just a little embarrassed that it was because of him.
It was so fun to spend time with cousins we don't see often enough.
Noah is learning that his second cousins are a silly bunch and had a good time playing and watching them.
Each of the great grandkids took a minute to draw or write a little something to be put in the casket.
Grandpa's four daughters shared stories about him when they spoke at his funeral.
He truly had a deep love for Grandma and his family.
He loved God, and even at a very young age, he loved his country.
Nate's cousin Garrett is stationed close by at Travis AFB. He presented Grandma with the flag after it was folded with precision.
When we talked later he said it was a special opportunity, but it
sure was hard to get through what he had to say without lots of tears.
Noah loves 'Grandpa Peevee' We explained to him that Grandpa went to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus, and just like we only see them in pictures, we can only see Grandpa in pictures now too.
And Luke will definitely hear stories in the coming years about his sweet great grandpa.
After the burial, we went back to the church for lunch. Yes, funerals are a time for grieving, but it sure is special and uplifting to spend time with the people you love most.
That's a lot of brotherly love right there. Sure do love those guys.
Noah gave Uncle K.C. a 'monster hug' before he headed back to BYU.
It was all too soon that we were giving lots of hugs and saying good-bye to everyone. K.C. was leaving, Birons were heading back to Bakersfield and Becky and Terry had to catch their flight to Cleveland. Life goes on. But as it does, I'm grateful that we carry with us tender memories of Grandpa and that our boys literally are a little piece of him. Oh, how we hope to teach them to be like him in so many ways!
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