Tribute To A Grandfather

My Grandpa was a unique person. He was a kind gentle man that I loved dearly. He was not only my grandfather but in growing up he was my best friend.

I had a difficult childhood and my grandpa was always there for me. I do not know where I would be today if it had not been for my grandfather's love and guidance. He set a Christian example for me and gave me some of the important values that I have today.

I was not your typical kid. I was shy and withdrawn. I guess I was what you would call a loner. When things bothered me I held everything inside. Not the healthiest thing for a person to do but that was how I was. I didn't have many friends. When I needed to talk to someone I talked to grandpa. He seemed to have the insight to know when I needed him most because he was always there. He would listen to me and never judge me. He never yelled at me or got mad at what I had to say. He always seemed to know exactly what I needed to hear.

As I got older he told me on more than one occasion that he was concerned about me finding the right person for me. He would say "Gerty, (He called me that sometimes) I pray you will find the right person that will love you and take care of you because your grandpa isn't going to be around forever." He was concerned about that. I guess I grew up depending on him and felt that he would always be there for me. That is why I was so devastated when he died suddenly of a massive heart attack. I felt lost without him to turn to. I didn't have my best friend anymore to turn to.

Over the years I have come to realize and be grateful that God blessed me by giving me such a wonderful grandfather. He was there for me at a time when I needed him most.

My grandfather would be happy to know that I have found that special person. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who is a wonderful father and provider. I would have loved for my grandfather to have known him and his great grandchildren. They would have been blessed by knowing him.

The one thing that I know and believe with all my heart is that my grandpa is in Heaven with Jesus. We will all meet again one day. As Christians death is not the end and we will all see each other again if we have accepted Christ as our savior. So until then I hold on to that hope and strive to live my life in the example of one of my best friends. In tribute to my Grandfather Earl Proffitt.