Remembering My Grandfather ("Pa")

“[He has] fought the good fight, [he has] finished the race, [he has] kept the faith.  Now there is in store for [him] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, [awarded] to [him] on that day—and not only to [him], but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
-2 Timothy 4:7-8

“We’re not put here to stay….we’re just passin’ through.”  This was a quote that my grandfather (aka “Pa”) said oh, so often, and yesterday, that pilgrim passed through this life into the next one – into the joy that awaited him for so long.  Into the arms of so many friends whom he had made over the past 96 years.  Into the arms of those loved ones – my grandmother, my step-grandmother, his parents, his sisters and others that he literally hadn’t seen in over 30 years.  Into the arms of six children whom he never met as they were all miscarried before my dad was born.  Into the arms of Jesus – the Savior he so dearly loved and lived out his life for since he was a young man.

96 years.  It’s so hard to even fathom that number…to be alive since the year 1917…wow.  When you think about it, SO many things have changed since then.  He would talk about how he remembered the first car, the first TV, and so on and so forth.  Ha…we even got him a cell phone once back 7 years ago or so in order to keep up with him because he was always on the go…he never used it. :)  He always said that old age was "pityful" and that he never knew what old was until he hit 90…so word to the wise!

Mentally, I have prepared myself for his passing for a while.  6 years ago, my dad and I found him at his home in North Carolina, lying on the floor after he had fallen a little over a day earlier.  That was one of the scariest things I’ve ever experienced.  I honestly didn’t think he would make it then…but he proved me wrong.  We moved him to live at the assisted living home in our town and over the past six years later, we were able to have new and hilarious memories.  Over the past six years later I was able to have hundreds more kisses from him.  Over the past six years, God gave us a gift…time with our Pa and I can’t thank God enough for that.  Every single day has been a blessing.

I can’t be sad.  Pa lived a looooong and fulfilling life.  He/his story touched the hearts of so many people in so many different places…North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Hong Kong….just to name a few :)  He shared Jesus with those whom he visited/worked with.  He served his home church through his gifts and talents as he literally built a good part of the church with his hands.  Pa truly lived with a servant’s heart and passed his love of service to us.

There are SO many stories (96 years worth) and I’m sure from here on out, I’ll be reflective and write some funny/poignant posts about things I remember or things that remind me of him, but for now, I wanted to just let you all know that Joe Young was one of the most special men in my life.  My “birthday buddy” and I had a bond that not many really understand.  Born on his birthday, he always said I was the best birthday gift he’d ever gotten.  See the post entitled “Birthday Buddies” for more on that.  Many times I tried to turn this into the whole “so does that mean I’m your favorite granddaughter?” question.  Not once did he ever fall for that trick…he’d say, “Well I can’t say that.  There’s three of ya” :)

So today I’m thankful.  Thankful that he’s no longer in pain and suffering.  Thankful that he can now walk AND EVEN run!  Thankful that no one’s having to yell in his ear anymore because he can’t hear them (LOL).  Thankful that he’s with friends and family that he’s longed to see for so long.  Thankful that he’s worshipping at the feet of Jesus.  Thankful for the memories and legacy he’s left for my family.  Thankful that I…Allison Young…got the amazing privilege to be this man’s GRANDdaughter.

Birthday Buddies

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. - Proverbs 13:22a

May 11, 1987. My mom was at the hospital in labor with me and it was nearing midnight... From what I hear the nurses told the doctor something like this... "Get in here and deliver this baby before midnight." "Why?," He questioned. The nurses replied, "So she can be born on her grandfather's birthday!!" At 11:47 (thirteen minutes before May 12) I arrived. First grandchild born on grandfather's birthday... mission accomplished.

My pa and I share a special day together - May 11. I was born on his 70th birthday and he says I was the best birthday present he ever got (but I'm sure if you asked his kid self it was probably a bike or something like that) :). He was born in 1917 and I was born in 1987 (definitely a generation gap) , but we've never let that gap get the best of us...we've always gotten along and loved being with one another.

I am so blessed to be his granddaughter. He's hilariously funny, super smart, strong in his faith and so much more. Believe me, I have SO many funny stories I could tell you! I'd share my favorite but there are too many to count!

When my dad was a teenager, my pa wrote a short book (never published) about the second coming of Christ and how we need to reach lost people for Christ. He named it "The Golden Nugget." I've not read the entire thing, but the part I have read is very deep and thought-provoking. I'm so inspired by his thoughts and determination to write this short work. I'm also so thankful that I have this little "nugget" (pun intended) to show me how truly strong his faith is. I hope that one day I can follow in his footsteps and write a biblically based short book as well.

I'd never heard Proverbs 13:22 before until I started writing this blog post, but I absolutely love it! Here it is again: "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." My pa has most definitely left and continues to leave a rich inheritance to me and my sisters. An inheritance of faith, family, and love that fills all of us with so much joy, happiness, and laughter...LOTS of laughter! He inspires me to bring joy and happiness to others. He inspires me to stay strong. He inspires me to keep the faith and trust God that He's got things all under control.

He's in the hospital on his birthday this year and I wish beyond wish that he could spend it outside of the hospital, BUT, to everything there is a purpose and so I trust God to work His will in this situation. We greatly appreciate the thoughts and prayers for him as he recovers. Prayers are a fantastic birthday present. Maybe he will have a belated birthday present and get to go home next week!!! :)

So...even though I know you won't read this, Pa, know that I love you so much and am so glad to be your birthday buddy. Happy 96th Birthday! I love you!