Today is my Grandpa’s birthday. We celebrate this wonderful day within our hearts and to ourselves because Grandpa has passed on. This May marks two years since he died. I was fortunate to have grown up with all four of my grandparents and each one brought something special to the table. Grandpa Yoder was unique. He was a hardworking farmer, loving husband, supportive father, good sound Christian, wonderful friend, and EXCELLENT grandpa on every level. He was the kind of man that endeared himself to every one he met. He had no enemies because there was nothing to dislike about him. He had a twinkle in his eye and a smile that brought warmth and a tiny bit of orneriness to those he encountered. His bald head was a sign of character-strong and independent. He did have a few flaws(who doesn’t). He was a little too trusting and a really bad procrastinator. But, we loved him all the same.
He had a heart attack, followed by surgery and then days later a stroke. This was in 1997. He spent countless hours in a hospital and even more in a nursing home for rehabilitative therapy. He had a few more surgeries and each time we called him the cat with nine lives. He would stare death in the eye and God would tell him not yet. He got to see the birth of all of his great-grandchildren and hold them in his arms. He celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with my grandmother. He witnessed deaths of his beloved family and friends. He endured a move to a smaller living facility and the sale of his home and some belongings. I think that was a tough one for him. Grandma was unable to properly care for him on her own so they moved to a retirement home where she could have help. In doing so, their 2 story home(which had been in my grandma’s family forever) was sold and their possesions whittled down. As a young girl, I had always wanted to live in that house and keep it in the family but, sometimes things are not meant to be. I had a hard time with their move because I selfishly did not want to make something that was right in front of my eyes a memory. I loved going to my grandparents - no matter what age I was. I loved them dearly. But it came time for Grandpa to go to a better place and live a better life.
My grandpa was the kind of man that you hope you marry and that someday your daughters marry and your sons turn out just like him. He was one of a kind. It didn’t matter if he was scolding you or teaching you how to play Tarzan in the hay mow, his words were always warm and comforting. I do not know another person like him. His faith was his guiding light and his love for grandma was his anchor. He lives on in our hearts. I am a better person for walking in his shadow and hope one day we will be reunited once again. We miss you Grandpa!
