8.16.2011

What I Believe: To the Moon

"...having been born of goodly parents..."

Same can be said of me in my life.....but let's add to that:  
"...having been born of goodly grandparents..."

One of the greatest men in my life passed away yesterday morning...

At least now, he's reunited with his beautiful bride.
I've got a feeling his heart has been so broken & he's missed her terribly.
Still, it was more than a shock.

He's also reunited with his oldest son, one of his adorable daughters, and his loving parents.

He was the best man.
Humble, honorable, kind, funny, reliable & ornery.
To say he'll be missed is the most severe understatement.

He was a superhero in my eyes; like my own personal Popeye.
He was a tattooed sailor and strong to the finish.  Could have beat up any bad guy for me,
and saved me from ANY danger.

The day after Mini-Me was born, he drove her & I home from the hospital in 105+ heat.
Because the AC was out in his car, he literally broke into my house
and shimmied through a window just to save us from the sweltering summer temps!
He had to save his girls.  Told ya, superhero.

His orneriness & personality? 
Tommy Lee Jones' performance in Captain America pretty much gives the world a taste of what my family has lived with and loved for 78 years!
(Haven't seen the movie?  Go.  Do.  You have to now, just so we're on the same page.  Matter of fact, I think I want to go see it for a 4th time, just so I can laugh and feel closer to him again.)

From this man
  • I learned how to be patient on a riverbank, holding a fishing pole.
  • I learned the value & potential of an old metal coffee can (great for collecting agates in, for harvesting warm & sweet cherry tomatoes with, for harboring polly wogs & toads).
  • I learned how to talk like a sailor when I really needed to.
  • I learned how to master the technique for a proper "swift kick in the butt."
  • I learned how to rough it when camping.
  • I learned how great it was to NOT rough it when camping (with a luxurious 80's camper).
  • I learned how to work hard & how to appreciate the great sacrifices of others.
  • I learned how to love watching baseball games (especially Seattle Mariners games)
  • I learned how cool baseball cards are (and how nasty the stick of gum in the card pack is).
  • I learned how to love watching football games (especially Seattle Seahawks games).
  • I learned how to love making things with my hands.
  • I learned how much better it is to make others happy.
  • I learned how to get swallowed in a bear hug, complete with bristly whiskers.
  • I learned how wonderful endearing nick names are ("Lil' Shit," "Bumpa," "Bumpy-Clyde-Monster").
  • I learned how important family is.
  • I learned how BBQ's can do more for a person than just feed a hungry tummy.
  • I learned how sitting on garden swings, hovering around bird baths, climbing trees, and playing whiffle ball with cousins can heal all heartaches & unjustices in life.
  • I learned how old dogs have a few new tricks up their sleeves.
  • I learned how Primary songs will always be classics worth returning to ("Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" & "I Am a Child of God" for example).
  • I learned how to enjoy a hearty laugh.
  • I learned how to be a good neighbor.
  • I learned how to pitch in & serve others.
  • I learned how to be patriotic.
  • I learned how important it is to do your very best every time!
  • I learned how important family events & accomplishments are.
  • I learned how to honor my family's heritage... who & where I came from.
  • I learned how great it is to be me.
  • I learned how to be loyal.
  • I learned how to forgive.
  • I learned how to love... unconditionally.
  • I learned how valuable & true the farewell statement "Be good like me" is.

While in Utah for Grandma Grow's burial, he & I shared a lovely experience.

He was resting in the hotel room, and we began talking about our favorite songs.
He said that his most favorite song was "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra.
I was so thrilled to hear this, for ever since I discovered this tune in 1997, it has been my most favorite as well (finally beating out Chris DeBurgh's "Lady in Red").  He began to sing a bit.... then paused, trying to remember what came next.  I then sang the rest of the line.  His eyes lit up and he said, "That's it!  That's right!"  He then sang a bit of the next line, and I finished that one.  It went on like this through the whole song, back & forth.  He was so giddy, I was teary, and the whole scene was most tender.  The song will continue to be my favorite until the end of time, but with even greater savor now.

"Fly me to the moon
Let me swing among those stars
Let me see what spring is like, 
On Jupiter and Mars.

In other words, 
Hold my hand. 
In other words, baby, 
Kiss me.
 
Fill my heart with song,
And let me sing forever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore.

In other words, 
Please be true.
In other words, 
I love you.

Why don't you fill my heart with song? 
Let me sing forever more
You are all I long for, 
All I worship and adore .
 
In other words, 
please be true.
In other words... 
In other words, 
I... love.... you."
(Jesse Clyde Grow:  November 3rd, 1932 - August 15th, 2011)

Grandpa Grow,
I will always strive to be my best, thanks to your example.
I will always love the ones in my life with all I have, thanks to the legacy you left.
I will always cherish God's blessings in my life, thanks to the humble ways you've taught us.

I will always be there to help you sing...  
In other words... I... love... you!

P.S.
I will miss your glacier-blue eyes the most!

::hugs::

9 comments:

NaDell said...

That's a great song. You sure learned a lot from him. So lucky. My favorite is the whiskery hugs. My grandpa used to do that to us. I actually saw him do it to one of my cousins the last time we all got together and got a little jealous, but he hasn't done that to me in a very long time. Must have been my attitude or something...
Sorry about your grandpa. I'm glad you have so many great memories with him.

CB said...

First let me say that I am sorry for the loss of your sweet Grandpa. He sounds like such a wonderful man and an amazing influence in your life.
What a completely tender moment you had singing "Fly Me to The Moon"- It brings tears to my eyes. You are so lucky to have so many wonderful memories and experiences with him.
Ones that you can remember and write down.
I know the next little while will be hard I wish you peace and love as you celebrate his life.

Wendy said...

So sorry. It sounds like you were so lucky to have him in your life!

Barbie said...

The best thing about daddy was you always knew he loved you. Seth, thanks for spending the day sharing memories and laughter with me.

Siera said...

I am sorry for the loss of your grandpa. Grandpa's are wonderful things.

2browndawgs said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Grandfather. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.

Valerie said...

Darn it! So sorry to hear about your Grandpa's passing.
What a great song~ and such a wonderful memory!
Hugs and prayers for you and your family.

Jenelle said...

:) this is lovely sis, love you♥

2browndawgs said...

This is bad timing, but when you are up to it, I hope you will consider participating in the My 7 Links posting.

I have nominated you on my blog here:

http://2browndawgs.com/2011/08/17/my-7-links/

Take care.

Spread Your Love For the Gusty Ridge Ranch

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