My grandpa died last night. He had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig's Disease. I can't write any more now without crying, so I will just post a copy of the letter I wrote to him for Father's Day this year. I will miss you, Grandpa.

Dear Grandpa,

Happy Father’s Day! I’m sorry I won’t get to see you, but you will be in my thoughts. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, and the ways you’ve touched my life.

When I was little, we did lots of fun things together. You could always be counted on to read a story or play a game. I loved all our camping trips, and have wonderful memories from them. Jumping off rocks at Johnson’s Shut-ins, playing cards after dark by the light of the lantern, and our trek back to Missouri after the Yellowstone visit were some of my favorites. I also have fond memories of fishing at your lake in St. Paul, and of catching a snapping turtle there one day. Thank you for thinking up all those fun things to do, and for inviting me to do them with you.

There were several years when I played sports – softball, track, and cross country. Even though I was pretty near talentless at all three of those, I knew you would come and watch me, and afterwards, you’d tell me I’d done a good job. Running was possibly my favorite part of high school, and you were my biggest inspiration. Your passion for running was contagious, but bringing us along to all those One Mile Fun Runs when we were little didn’t hurt either. Thank you for that inspiration, for all that exercise, and for all that fun.

When I was older still, I needed to borrow money for some pretty important things. My degree, of course, and the car that’s been taking me everywhere for the past five years are two things I have because of your generosity. Thank you for letting me ask you for that money, and for not getting mad at me when I forgot a couple payments.

When my brothers and cousins were still babies, I saw you playing with them, but didn’t stop to really notice it. After Emma was born, you played with her too – that little game where you say “bzzzzzzzz” and swoop your hand in to tickle her tummy. I love that game, and I’m so happy that my daughter got a chance to play. Now she sometimes talks about that day when we played in your yard and we all took turns jumping off that concrete thing, or according to her, “jumping a great-grandma a great-grandpa’s house”. Thank you for playing with Emma, and for being a good sport about jumping around in the yard.

Grandpa, in all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never heard you speak a harsh word to, or about, anyone. Even when your house was filled with loud and excited (and probably somewhat annoying) little kids, you never reprimanded anyone or acted like we were getting on your nerves. The gentle manner with which you address everyone – Grandma, your daughters, us, your friends, complete strangers – is something for which we should all strive. Thank you for your kindness, and thank you for being a person I have always been able to look up to.

I love you.

Love, Sarah