A life well-lived

My Grandpa Pebley passed away nearly a month ago.  It was the night of Abby's birthday and I got a call from Dad who told me what had happened.  Even though I knew that my grandpa had been sick with cancer off and on for really, the past few years, it was still a surprise.  The hardest thing about life is losing those you love.  Even though I know that I will see them again, that they are at peace...it is still hard.  We miss them and everything that they have taught us.  I am so glad that I grew up close to my Grandpa. 
I have so many memories of camping trips and Grandpa building things in his garage.  He loved to fix things.  It seemed like he and my Grandma were at every event of my life.  Orchestra concerts, soccer games, track meets, piano recitals.  They came to my wedding and helped us move into our apartment in Bakersfield.  He traveled to every baby blessing and helped us fix up our little old house and helped to paint our newer one.  I think everyone in the family has something painted, fixed or built by Grandpa.  He loved his family and was so proud of them.
I loved his jokes.  He always had a good one on his mind, ready to tell at the next occasion.  I realize now how important these jokes were.  When you always have something funny to look forward to, you can't help but enjoy life whether it is going well or not.  In the back of your mind there is always something to laugh at.
My Grandpa served in the Korean war but never spoke much about it.  He earned a Purple Heart.  He is a man of great faith, love of family, and love of country.  I admire his patience and kindness.  He had such a love for life and lived a full one each and every day.
The funeral was a sweet experience as we got to talk about the man my Grandpa is.  He has touched all of us in my family and many others.  I'm glad that we got to have him for so long.
I put in lots of pictures.  It was such a special weekend with family.  Memorial Day we got together and shared stories and memories with one another.  The kids drew pictures to put in the casket.  We all laughed when Abby yelled out, "I'm drawing a ghost!"
I will miss my Grandpa dearly, but I know that I will be see him again and I hope that I can be has great a person as he is.
  

 The Pebley girls with my Grandpa's sister and a few of his brothers.  He came from a big family.

 My grandma and her brother and his wife.

 

All of the Grandsons were the pall bearers. 

 My cousin, Garrett, is in the Air Force and presented my Grandma with the flag.  Such a sweet moment.