Thoughts of mortality… eventually

He is one of this place’s good people — a figure of strength and stability in a world of constant change. Most people, including those who have had coffee with him every morning for decades at the local coffee shop, know him as Charlie. I know him by just one name: Granddad. He is one of the few people I look to with incredible admiration. He is kind, honest and God-fearing. He is tall, strong and wise. My entire life I’ve seen him be nothing less than giant, larger than life. And as grandsons often do, I saw him as invincible. However, recently I’ve seen him as we all are: mortal.

In recent weeks I’ve seen him in one hospital or another. Fighting heart disease at 79. Where once a strong, tall, powerful man of words and actions stood, I see a weak, struggling old man who knows his next breath could be his last. That knowledge would be devastating to most everyone. But not Charlie. My grandfather has made peace with this world and knows his calling is higher. His faith carries him through and makes him the man I’ve always seen him to be. Even though his body is failing him now, he still has sharp eyes that tell you that he’s ready for life after death. For those of us here in the present who will debate the afterlife for years to come, knowledge that the passing tide could be at hand is a treacherous venture. For Charlie, it’s just the next step; an enviable position that shows confidence and builds character. While suffering the most pain, he is sure of his position. You can’t find that strength anywhere here on Earth.

But no matter when his final breath comes, I know he will live on inside of my brothers and I because he helped mold us into the men we are now: strong, capable and immortal in our thoughts and ideals. We are as tall inside as he is outside. We will always be that because he helped make us this way.

and on that note, my favorite bible verse: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6