Saying Goodbye

We said goodbye to Grandpa Clarence this weekend.  He will be missed.

One of Ryan's fondest memories of his grandparents was of arriving at their house.  Grandpa Clarence would stride out the door with a hearty "Come in!  Come in!" and Grandma Florence would be busy in the kitchen getting ready for a house full of children and grandchildren.  Grandma has been gone for several years now, but we still felt that same welcome whenever we were with Grandpa. 

During Grandpa Clarence's funeral, Ryan's cousin Elaine read the obituary.  When she mentioned Grandpa's 9 children, 30 grandchildren and 47 great-grandchildren, Lane whispered, "Mom, that's a REALLY BIG number."  I had to smile because despite the big numbers, Grandpa always had a smile and a kind word for each one.

Carolyn encouraged us with the thought that for those who serve God, death does not mean 'leaving home' but it means 'going home.'  We are so glad for the influence of his faithful life on us and especially glad for the comfort of knowing that he has gone home.