UncategorizedA Life Well-Lived August 20, 2014 I know I’ve been a bit out of touch lately on the blog. I started this post several days ago and just haven’t been able to finish. My grandpa, who is one of the most special people I’ve ever known, isn’t doing so well. We don’t know how much time he has, but all the family came in and spent the last half a week or so with him. I’m overcome with the man that he is and how he’s lived his life and that’s why this post is so hard to write. How do you write about someone who has very literally meant the world to you? How do you do a man’s life justice in a few short words? But I feel in my heart the need to share his story. Every now and then, you find someone who you can see without a doubt is leaving a legacy. They live each day with purpose and intention. They have an end goal in mind and every word, every action is chosen to meet that goal. These people of intentional living are rare and hard to find, but my grandfather is one of these men. He has lived a long, full life of 92 years and each day that I’ve known him he’s been the same. Always steady. Always loving. He greets you with a smile and a warm hug. He has grace in his eyes and forgiveness for all deep in his heart. He served in World War II and wouldn’t talk much about his time there until recent years. Now, I know of the many close calls and difficult days he had there. I know about how he won the Bronze Star for successfully directing American artillery fire. I know about how during that mission, his location was detected and a large German shell landed directly in his lap. It was a dud. I know about how large pieces of shrapnel flew between he and his friend, mere inches apart. He is a man of courage, but he is also a man of unwavering faith. Every single time he talks about the war, after every story, he thanks the Lord for bringing him through. He knows without a doubt that the only reason he and his three other brothers serving came home and started families was because of God’s ultimate protection and he gives Him credit at every turn. He is a loving husband and father of two boys, one being my dad. Since I’ve been aware, I’ve never seen him lose his temper. In fact, my dad and grandma said that in all their time together, they’ve never ONCE heard him raise his voice. He is firm and a man of conviction, but he is loving and delivers his words with humility and peace. Where others would fly off the handle and yell or say something in the heat of the moment they would later regret, we have all witnessed my grandpa taking time to pray and process his words and then speaking with yet again, INTENTION. He loves his two boys with abandon. He worked tirelessly to afford them opportunities and still does, at every chance he gets. He is their biggest fan and biggest supporter. But he always said that he would’ve loved to also have a little girl. When he learned that I was coming (the first grandchild, but also the first girl), I’m told he was over the moon. I still have that little windmill he gave me many years ago and it will be in our little one’s nursery. All of my childhood memories have my Papa wrapped up in them. He and my grandma lived next door my entire life. I can still remember how he would take me to the high school football games on Friday nights, making sure to stop by McDonald’s on the way for a Happy Meal and apple pie. I can remember sitting by him in those stands when my feet just dangled from the seat and listening to him explain the game to me amidst his loud cheers of support for the home team my Daddy once played for. I can remember our yearly camping trips to Tennessee where as soon as we crossed the state line, he would shout out, “Tennessee, I hear you calling me!” It would wake my sister and I up from the back of the van and we would yell with excitement because we knew that adventure was close. I can remember going to “Papa’s Restaurant” (his house next door) every single Sunday morning before church for the best breakfast you could buy anywhere. This man sure knows how to cook. He loved us girls and made us laugh like no one else. I could go on and on with the wonderful memories I have growing up with Papa, but more than anything, I will remember his testimony. I will remember how, to this day, every time I saw him, he and my grandma told me that they pray for me each day in their morning prayer time. I will remember how in every single card, and every time I started a new phase, I would hear him say, “Remember above all to put God first.” Because you see, as I said above, this is a man who lived with an end goal in mind. He has lived his life with the perspective of eternity. I can’t count how many times he’s talked about the hope he has of meeting Jesus one day. He talks about it not with a hopeful tone, but with a tone of complete certainty because he KNOWS where he will one day be headed. His end goal was not just for himself, but for all of us: his entire family and everyone he meets. I know that the woman of faith I’ve become has so much to do with those morning prayers they prayed so faithfully and the spiritual conversations he would bring up. And I know more than anything, it’s from the feeling I get when he talks about his faith. They aren’t empty words to him. When he says the name of Jesus, there is something behind it. He says it like he’s talking about a treasured loved one who he knows and has a relationship with. Watching him live and grow old has taught me how it’s meant to be. He lived well in his younger years. He raised a family. He instilled morals and values in them. He loved his wife with his whole heart and told her every time I was around them. But as he’s grown older, he’s defied what it seems many do. He hasn’t checked out. He has seen each new day as a gift from God filled with opportunity. I come from a musical family, specifically bluegrass. At 86, he decided to join his talented sons and taught himself the mandolin. He practiced hours a day and even wrote several songs. Several years ago at Christmas, he wrote a love song for his bride of 68 years. Just a week ago, when we were all sitting around him in the hospital, he told us about a Gospel song he was writing about his faith and testimony. He told us exactly where it was located so that we could finish it for him, if he didn’t get the chance. It needed to be finished. At 90, he wrote a book. He decided he needed to get his life story down and leave words for future generations. He worked tirelessly on it every day until it was finished and then had it bound and published for us. He has more than ran the race well and lived every single day with PURPOSE AND INTENTION. The last week has been incredibly hard, but incredibly sweet. Because of how he’s lived and loved, none of us can imagine a world without this man. The sadness of that thought is crippling at times. But it’s also sweet because as I looked around at our family these last few days, I’ve realized that he will never be gone. As believers, we know that we will all be reunited one day. But it’s even more than that. He will always live on because the legacy he has so intentionally left will never die. It will live on in all of us who’ve watched him live and been inspired by his faith, humor, and heart. It will live on in my dad, who’s so much like him. I see my dad with his only grandchild at the time, my nephew Malachi, and realize that it looks familiar. He’s exactly how my Papa was with me and my sister. He learned from the best. We all did. We all learned every day how to walk with intention and our eyes set on eternity because we had an amazing example who took every single day by the horns and squeezed all the good he could out of it. I’ll sum up this story of legacy with the most vivid and precious memory I have of Papa. Last weekend, when we were all gathered around him in his home, he said he wanted to “pick a little.” In bluegrass world, that means play music. He said he was up to it, so my dad went and got him his mandolin. Others brought out their instruments and we waited for him to lead us. He started with what he calls our “theme song.” Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. At his urging, we begin and finish all playing with the theme song. Then, he got out his little green, leather-bound journal where he writes down his favorites and started calling out titles. Several in, he got to “What a Day That Will Be.” The words nearly got us all. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place, including Papa’s. Throughout the song, his hand and eyes were lifted upward and the tears coming down his face didn’t stop the singing. He sang with joy. He sang with certainty. And as the song came to an end, hand still lifted Heaven-ward, he finished with an “Amen.” I couldn’t take my eyes from him and I knew. Now that’s a life worth living. And that’s the best legacy you could leave behind for the rest of us when he finally meets Jesus face to face. It’s a legacy I will never forget and will try to live each day by. And it’s a legacy that I will teach my daughter about until one day, she gets to meet him for herself.
Bee says August 20, 2014 at 1:46 pm Such a loving amazing testimony for your Papa- love and prayers for you all~ Reply
Ashley says August 20, 2014 at 1:56 pm So, so beautifully written. You captured everything that Papa is. Love you so much sweet sister! Reply
Amy says August 20, 2014 at 2:03 pm Lindsay, I KNOW your family, including your papa and your heavenly Father are very proud of you. You are an amazing daughter, granddaughter and soon to be mother. You will undoubtedly continue the wonderful legacy given you by your papa through your loving word and actions! I love you….. Reply
Jean says August 20, 2014 at 3:14 pm What a loving tribute to a very special man of God! As I read this I could not help but think of “the Greatest Generation” that Tom Brokaw has written so much about. Milford Lark is truly one of the greatest generation. I have been truly blessed to know Milford through church and later as a part of the Lark family. My heart breaks each time I think of Milford’ s journey on earth ending. But I have to smile when I think of his reunion with his brothers who went before him. What a reunion that will be! Milford you will forever be in my heart as a very special member of the greatest generation. Love you. Reply
Katie says August 20, 2014 at 3:37 pm Lindsay, this is beautiful. I’m so sorry to hear about the tough time you and your family are going through, but affirm you for being able to recognize and communicate so clearly your grandpa’s legacy. This is rare!! … the fact that you’re not only aware of the precious gift you have in a family like this, but that you value it so deeply… it’s just awesome. Just said a prayer for your family. Reply
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says August 20, 2014 at 4:01 pm Lindsay, what a sweet, sweet post. What a special man, and even more so knowing the beautiful legacy he has given your family. We just sang What a Day That Will Be not too long ago in church… So thankful that you were able to spend this time with him! Reply
Jenna says August 20, 2014 at 4:42 pm I have years in my eyes after reading this. What a wonder family to be a part of! I lost my grandfather a few years ago. He was such a huge part of my life and my heart. I think about him so often, and I’m sad he never met my daughter. But the legacy he left, and the sweet memories I hold in my heart – these are things I will happily pass on to my children. It’s wonderful that your dad is like your grandfather. My dad is, too, like my Grandad, and I love realizing similarities every so often. I’m sorry you’re losing someone you love so dearly. Reply
Kimm at Reinvented says August 20, 2014 at 4:59 pm That is beautiful. You are the legacy that your sweet grandpa is leaving. And you will pass it on to your children. Will keep all of you in my prayers in the coming days. Reply
baileywife @ Irishman Acres says August 20, 2014 at 5:16 pm Speechless, Lindsay….beautiful tears! (And hugs). ~ Kim Reply
cassie says August 20, 2014 at 5:30 pm well now i am crying, too- what an amazing story and an amazing man. thank you for sharing. Reply
Debbie w says August 20, 2014 at 5:48 pm Precious story…precious memories. Praying for the family. Reply
Stephanie @ Sandpaper and Glue says August 20, 2014 at 7:49 pm such a touching post- thank you for sharing! I’ll be keeping you all in my thoughts 🙂 Reply
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says August 20, 2014 at 8:43 pm Watching someone you love come to the end of their life is never easy and even believing you’ll see him again, I’m sure this is a really difficult time for you. Hopefully softened by the long and meaningful life you know he had though, and it is precious to think of his spirit continuing on in all of you, and your daughter. xoxo Reply
Paige McEwen says August 21, 2014 at 1:10 am Such a beautiful story you have told about your amazing Grandfather. I am so sorry your family is going through this uncertain time but what an amazing life he has lived!!! You are so proud to be his Granddaughter and I cannot even imagine how proud he is to have you as his Granddaughter. He sounds like such a special person. Xoxo, Paige Reply
Summer says August 21, 2014 at 5:42 am This is an incredibly beautiful post Lindsay! I know how hard this is after just losing two of my grandparents. The way you describe your Papa reminds me of my Granddad. Aren’t we so fortunate to have had these legacy makers in our lives for so long? I’m praying for Papa and your entire family. Thinking of you friend. Reply
Dee Ann says August 21, 2014 at 7:20 am Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. Your grandfather has lived a long and good life and will be rewarded in Heaven. Take heart in the fact that he has finished the race, fought the good fight and will hear those words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. Remember, that leaving his beloved family will be hard for him, even with Heaven waiting. When I was present with my mom’s and dad’s passing, I let them know it was okay to let go (much as I wanted to keep them) and I consider it an honor to have escorted them to the door of Heaven. We can’t go with them, but we can take them to the door of their transition. Your dad will need your love and support too…. it is really hard to lose a parent, even when we know we will be reunited with them one day. So many people don’t have the kind of family you have; it truly is a blessing and I know you will really miss him. Reply
Kelly Goldman says August 21, 2014 at 7:24 am Ugh, Lindsay. I had to stop reading (the tears were starting). What a wonderful gift you were given to have HIM be your grandfather. I pray these next few days (?) weeks (?) are filled with love, comfort, and hope! Reply
Kari says August 21, 2014 at 9:04 am Precious. You are part of a blessed, rich family. Peace….. Reply
Connie AAshburn says August 21, 2014 at 3:47 pm Loved your story today. What a testament of faith he is leaving with all of you. I will pray for a peaceful time for him. Special man, no doubt. Thanks for sharing him. Reply
Sherri says August 21, 2014 at 7:05 pm “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24 -26 Reply
Marilyn Allen says August 21, 2014 at 11:49 pm Having read your post, the words of a chorus are ringing in my heart …”Running over, running over, Since the Lord saved me, I’m as happy as I can be! My cup is full and running over!” Your beautiful tribute to your Granddad warms my soul! Only heaven knows the respect and love we feel for him. As the choir director in the seventies, it was my joy to watch him sing in the Crescent Hill Church Choir…. He always had a radiance and joyful expression as he sang! Truly my cup is full and running over….. Reply
Amber says August 22, 2014 at 12:41 pm Oh, Lindsay, this is so beautifully written. I had tears in my eyes as he reminds me so much of my grandfather. They sure are special, aren’t they? I’m so grateful you shared this and know your family is, as well. Prayers for your entire family and especially you and your baby girl! Love, Amber Reply
Judy Clark says August 22, 2014 at 12:58 pm Lindsay, What a precious legacy that you have. You have so many wonderful things to share with your little daughter. Your family is precious. My family is a family of faith and love. We have tried to share that type of faith and love with our children and Grandchildren. I have lost my Mother and Father and my wonderful Grandparents. Two years ago we suffered a terrible loss. Our oldest Son died very suddenly. We miss him every day, and expect him to walk in the door to surprise us just like he used to. Hubby and I are people of faith. I don’t know how anyone could survive without their faith in Jesus. Our Son left behind a remarkable Son. He had just graduated from college and is doing well. Now we lavish our love on him and our wonderful Granddaughters. Especially our youngest who is four years old. I want her to have wonderful memories of her Grandparents just like you do. May God continue to sustain you in the days ahead. Please know that you are loved and prayed for. Hugs, Judy Reply
Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says August 22, 2014 at 3:21 pm What a precious testimony about your wonderful “Papa”. He has left so many memories for all of you and I am sure he is watching you all now. God Bless. Reply
Megan @ The Brick Bungalow says August 22, 2014 at 5:12 pm You’re right in that only a few people leave a legend. You are very lucky to have him for so long with so many great memories. My brother, who lived every day to the fullest, left as a legend too. Unfortunately, he was only 31 when cancer took him from us. Your grandpa sounds like a wonderful man who has touched many and enjoyed his family very much. I’m sorry he’s not doing well. I wish you all well as you deal with the future. Always remember the wonderful times. Talk about him with others, it’ll always help. Reply
Kathie from CA says August 23, 2014 at 3:20 pm I cried as I read this and showed it to my husband and he was also moved. Like you I am blessed with a wonderful Godly heritage. I am already sharing about Daddy with my grandchildren. One sentence really stood out to me. “Remember above all to put God first.” I hope you don’t mind but I would like to use that sentence myself. In the past year as many tough things have happened to me and I heard a sermon about realizing all is done to glorify God. I am trying to learn that. May the Lord give you great comfort in knowing absent from the body present with the Lord who your Dad loved and served. Someday you will join him. Reply
Mallory says August 23, 2014 at 7:31 pm This was so incredibly beautiful. What an amazing man. Your memories with him remind me so much of my grandfather and I, who is one of the most special people in my life. It’s so hard to watch them grow older, but gosh how blessed we were to know such loving, God fearing men. Praying for you and your family. xo Reply
Karen says August 25, 2014 at 8:53 am Wow, Lindsay. What a legacy indeed! Thank you for sharing about your Grandpa and how he has spent his one precious life. By God’s sweet grace, my grandchildren will see Jesus when they remember me, too. Praying that the peace that passes understanding will surround you and your family. Reply
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says August 25, 2014 at 9:32 am What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. I’m so glad you have so many great memories with him! Reply
Jessica says August 25, 2014 at 4:52 pm Good gracious. This almost took me 4 days to read. So beautiful. So heartfelt. And I know how you feel. My Pa is 87 and his abilities are definitely changing. I know I will share so many of your thoughts and emotions when that time comes as he is my favorite person in the whole world. Thank God we get to meet again and reunite forever! Praying for you all in this time of transition. Love you! Reply
sheryl says August 26, 2014 at 12:07 pm Oh Lindsay you write so beautifully, honestly and eloquently! What a lovely and devoted man you grandfather is and it sounds like you grew up in a fairyland surrounded by the love of family and God! What joyous memories you have and will pass on because of him. Such a sweet devotion! Reply
Brenda Bowie says August 31, 2014 at 11:16 pm Lindsay, what a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. I have had the privilege of knowing your grandparents since your dad was a highschool student. I am keeping your family close to my heart during this time . God bless you, young lady. Reply
Terri Hughes says September 7, 2014 at 11:45 am Fighting back tears, what a beautiful story of how your grandpa lived. What a blessing. God Bless you all. Reply
Candace says December 8, 2014 at 5:05 pm This is so beautiful. The spirit touched my heart while reading this and i had to hold back tears. You’re so blessed to have such a wonderful family and to be so close to them. Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s wonderful example with all of us. The way he lived his life is truly inspiring. Reply