Today has been hard. I lost my beloved grandfather. He was 99 years old and lived a wonderful life. This was a day we knew was coming, but when the reality of it sets in, it hurts a ton. I loved him so much.
We called him "Bompa" because when we were little every time we tried to say grandpa it sounded like Bompa and it just stuck. He was married to "Nanny" my wonderful grandmother until she passed in 2016 at the age of 94. I was privileged to be their grandson. I didn't deserve them. God so graciously allowed me to be their grandson and I am thankful.
Death brings perspective to life. There's a finality to it that is hard to swallow. My grandpa loved Jesus and dedicated his life to serving Christ, so I know he is in paradise as I type this, but the reality that he is not here really hurts. He's always been here my whole life and now he is gone. The finality of that is a hard truth.
A few weeks ago I wrote him a letter that I never sent. I was planning to, but as he was deteriorating I just didn't send it. I really wish I would have. I will miss him beyond what I can express. I love him more than I can put into words. God blessed me with a wonderful grandpa and I can't wait to see Bompa again!
Below is the last letter I wrote him that never got sent. -Steve
Bompa,
I hope you are well! I haven’t seen you in a while and I miss you.
I wanted to write you a letter to tell you how much you mean to me and how much of an impact you had on my life.
Life goes by so fast. I remember playing at your house on Bartlett Road and playing in the creek behind your house. We used to catch minnows in a bucket! Boy does time fly.
I can’t imagine not having you as a grandpa. The way you loved Nanny was such an example to me. The way you dedicated your life to the Lord was an inspiration to me. I think of all the letters over the years and I can’t imagine the numerous prayers that were prayed for me. You left a legacy with me and my children.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This verse is a wonderful passage of Scripture. It tells of the way we need to focus our minds so we don’t stray. We look to those things that build us up. Focus on the things that edify us.
You are someone whom I look up to. The good Lord has given you 99 years so far and you have not wasted them. You gave your life to Jesus. I hope to live a life the way you did. To not let the things of this world get in the way, but to focus on the things that are true and honest and pure. To love my wife like you loved Nanny.
Thank you for your example. Thank you for leaving a legacy in this world. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for loving me as a grandson. I am a blessed man because of you!
I love you and pray for you regularly.
In Christ,
-Steve
We called him "Bompa" because when we were little every time we tried to say grandpa it sounded like Bompa and it just stuck. He was married to "Nanny" my wonderful grandmother until she passed in 2016 at the age of 94. I was privileged to be their grandson. I didn't deserve them. God so graciously allowed me to be their grandson and I am thankful.
Death brings perspective to life. There's a finality to it that is hard to swallow. My grandpa loved Jesus and dedicated his life to serving Christ, so I know he is in paradise as I type this, but the reality that he is not here really hurts. He's always been here my whole life and now he is gone. The finality of that is a hard truth.
A few weeks ago I wrote him a letter that I never sent. I was planning to, but as he was deteriorating I just didn't send it. I really wish I would have. I will miss him beyond what I can express. I love him more than I can put into words. God blessed me with a wonderful grandpa and I can't wait to see Bompa again!
Below is the last letter I wrote him that never got sent. -Steve
Bompa,
I hope you are well! I haven’t seen you in a while and I miss you.
I wanted to write you a letter to tell you how much you mean to me and how much of an impact you had on my life.
Life goes by so fast. I remember playing at your house on Bartlett Road and playing in the creek behind your house. We used to catch minnows in a bucket! Boy does time fly.
I can’t imagine not having you as a grandpa. The way you loved Nanny was such an example to me. The way you dedicated your life to the Lord was an inspiration to me. I think of all the letters over the years and I can’t imagine the numerous prayers that were prayed for me. You left a legacy with me and my children.
The Bible says in Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
This verse is a wonderful passage of Scripture. It tells of the way we need to focus our minds so we don’t stray. We look to those things that build us up. Focus on the things that edify us.
You are someone whom I look up to. The good Lord has given you 99 years so far and you have not wasted them. You gave your life to Jesus. I hope to live a life the way you did. To not let the things of this world get in the way, but to focus on the things that are true and honest and pure. To love my wife like you loved Nanny.
Thank you for your example. Thank you for leaving a legacy in this world. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for loving me as a grandson. I am a blessed man because of you!
I love you and pray for you regularly.
In Christ,
-Steve
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