Tribute to Grandpa

From left to right - adults: Larry-Dad Terry-Lynn-Mum, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Sandy. Kids: Stephen, Becca (holding Grandpa's hand), Jacquie (me), Sarah (holding Sandy's hand).
Grandpa Bobby, Cousin Danny, Great-grandpa Ralph, Uncle David.
Jacquie, Sarah, Laurie, Becca.

Grandpa Robert Dean Parker died this year. He lived to be 81 and was about to celebrate his and Grandma's 60th wedding anniversary. Our family is so blessed to have gotten to spend time with Grandpa. The last time we spent together, without the rest of the huge family, so our last personal time was last summer at the Blesse's cabin in Hume Lake. I'm so glad we went up there. Grandpa's last year of life was full of hospital visits and a very keen awareness of his time on earth ending. I have always known him to be level-headed, and his reaction to this time in his life was full of peace and quiet expectation. He led a bible study on heaven in his last months. He made sure to contact family and used all of his time thoughtfully.

But, I think he used his life thoughtfully. The wisdom and listening ear that I value in my dad so much was from Grandpa. He and grandma made a point to call us and invite us to eat together when Ryan and I were in town. How could grandparents of 4 kids and their 4 spouses, 19 grandchildren, and 22 (last count) and still growing great grandchildren find the time to pay attention to each individual? But, they did. And they prayed for us every morning, each individual by name. I want to be the child of God that grandpa demonstrated. I want our family to live up to the legacy that grandpa and grandma developed over a lifetime. I want to request hymns and the doxology instead of a prayer before a meal. I want to tell Oliver and Phineas stories of their Parker grandparents and how they changed lives.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

When Grandpa died our cousin Becca posted pictures that I had never seen before onto facebook. I think these are from a time when we lived with them. At one point it seems all of their kids families lived with them. This picture also looks like a traditional Thanksgiving walk through Woodward Park. I do wish I knew more about Grandpa's life.