Saturday, August 27, 2011

Burton Edwin Tew, Jr.

Today I got a phone call. I was told that my Grandpa Tew had passed away this morning. Even though I knew it was coming, I couldn't stop the tears for very long.

When my children ask about death, I give them the "My Turn on Earth" explanation. Some turns are short. Some turns are long. I feel blessed that my grandpa got a good, long turn. He was 83. Some memories I have of my grandpa are: our annual water-skiing trips with him driving the boat, his fire-tending at our annual Mapleton camp-out, his laugh, his ability to tell a joke about any topic you give him!, his amazing knowledge and memory about numerous people and places, his story-telling, his extreme emergency preparedness (you should see his bomb shelter), his ability to fall asleep anywhere, his insistence on hand-watering his lawn, his love of growing things, his sweetness with my girls - especially McKinley, his testimony, his caring, his belief in you.

We are extra-blessed as well because we have his history - both written and on video. And I can share that with my children.

I guess a lot of us 30-somethings are having to say good-bye to our grandparents. I have one grandma left & I hope to cherish her and spend more time with her. I'm so thankful my kids have spent time with Grandpa Tew - and I am thankful that my husband had a special bond with him since he never got to meet his own grandpas.

When I think of all the people my grandpa was reunited with today - especially his son who died at 6 - the tears come again.
Love you Grandpa. THANK YOU for your legacy. You will be missed!!






4 comments:

Trish-the ad-match Queen said...

such a sweet post Heidi! Thank you! Love you! Are you guys coming for the funeral?

Tiff Meister said...

Thank you for sharing Heidi. It was perfect. See you soon.

Lena Baron said...

Oh, my heart goes out to you! You're in my thoughts and prayers!

Ryan and Shannan Hoffman said...

So sorry for your loss, he sounds like an awesome man.