I have lots to post, including vacation pictures, but I feel at this time I need to pay a small tribute to my Opa. He was such a wonderful man and great influence on my life. I can't put into words the what he meant to me.
Opa passed away on August 8, 2010 and my life will forever be changed.
Growing up, Aaron and I would spend our summer's at Oma and Opa's house, for those of you who do not know he is my mother's father. I have so many fond memories of time spent with him....from mowing yards in the summer, to swimming in a backyard pool (which at the time we thought was so big), he taught me how to drive (God bless his soul because that was a task), dove hunting, swinging on the back patio swing while he sang songs to us in German, his presence at all our events, and the image of him sitting on the front porch waiting for us to arrive. He would always be on the front porch swing waiting for us and say "What took you so long." when we finally arrived.
He touched so many lives and I knew and now know even more how important he was to so many other people. I write this with a heavy heart but know how peaceful he is today and will see him again in a reunion in Heaven when I am finished running my race here on earth.
Opa suffered from Alzheimer's disease along with many other health conditions. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that affects not only the individual but the family. Oma has taken care of him for many years now with his daily revolving door of questions and remarks. She is a patient and loving woman for doing that and I have the utmost respect for her. She is so strong and doing good.
I have only been able to find a few pictures on my computer that I can post for now....but you can see what a man he was.
Opa and Oma at Madeline's Christening - February 2008
Christmas 2009
I have now lost 2 grandparents in 11 months.....how it gives you such sorrow. I have told Madeline that Grandmama and Opa are now taking turns feeding Nemo (her goldfish) in heaven and are waiting for us to come help them one day.
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