Our beloved Pop Pop

 
 
 
 

Our beloved Pop Pop made his way to heaven on February 11, 2011 (02-11-2011) after a long, hard-ought battle with brain cancer. This has been a long, long 8 months for him, Cheryl, and all his family and friends. Skip was able to be at his side as he passed from this life and on to the next, and for that we are grateful. It was an incredibly sad week, to say the least. We hurt for Cheryl not having her life-long companion and best friend at her side any longer. We hurt for 3 children losing their father so early in their lives. We hurt for the 6 grandchildren who won't be able to hear Pop Pop put his finger inside his mouth, pull it out, and make his famous Pop Pop sound any longer. We hurt for his friends that will no longer have a hunting buddy, or someone to joke around with.

The week after his passing was spent together, with family. We were able to have all 6 grandchildren (all under the age of 6) together, keeping the house filled with life. It is difficult to look at them and not recognize that life does continue, and that memories are so dear. Our newest family member made his first appearance in Kansas, sweet baby Eli Walter, our 8 week old nephew. He was such a joy to have around showing us the real circle of life. Eli looks so very much like the pictures we were going through of Walt as a child. The kids played outside (thankful we had nice weather in Feb.) and kept the house cluttered with toys. I think Cheryl was appreciative for all of her family being able to stay together with her at such a difficult time.

We were all able to share so many stories and memories that week. We repeated key phrases that Walt would always say to us, especially when we were about to leave the house or head to our homes. We went through his fishing items knowing that they would be passed on to younger hands to throw into the water--sad that Pop Pop wouldn't be able to point out the perfect spots to us anymore. The songs we heard reminded us of his whistles, singing, and happy smiles. There was a slide show created by a friend that was amazing. I am thankful that my kids will be able to watch this DVD and keep Pop Pop's memory alive. There were so many kind, sweet, generous people who came to the house to share memories of Walt, offer meals, kind words, condolences, assistance in whatever way they could. It really reminded me of just how much Walt & Cheryl have done for their community, and for the friends and family that loved them so much. We were blessed by having family members travel from several states away, in the middle of their crazy lives, during winter time, to be with us. We were blessed by so many people.

For Skip & I we were trying to be strong for Cheryl. I was probably a nag reminding her to take her meds and keeping her off the phone. We were trying to cope with this loss personally. We were also trying our hardest to help hold our children's hands as they dealt with the loss of their grandfather. It was an incredibly tough couple of weeks, filled with difficult discussions with curious little minds trying their hardest to fully embrace what was happening around them.

Walt meant the world to us all. He will be missed so very much. His offers to help anyone in need, his worry as we would get on the road, his offers to help a little one with a meal, tie their shoes, hold a bottle, reading stories to his grandchildren, his gentle nature, his hard working ethic, his sense to allow his children to be who they wanted to be, his excuses to avoid diaper changes, his faith, his determination, and his kind, sweet heart are just a few things that made him into the strong husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend that he was. He touched so many lives. He is a great example of someone to emulate. Pop Pop we love you. We will think of you each time we see the geese flying overhead, a pond that looks perfect for fishing, every time we hear a Beach Boys song on the radio, or every single time we see kindness in this world. Thank you for being our teacher, our father, our friend.

This is a link to Walt's obituary, for those interested.