Grandpa Rich

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop it from happening."

I came across this quote last night when I was surfing the internet. I don't know who said it. This has been a difficult week for me, and the rest of the Rich Family. My grandpa has been slowly fading away for several months now, and it appears that he has reached is final days. The staff at the nursing home has done a wonderful job caring for my grandpa for the last few years, and they have told us that his time is limited. His pulse is fading and his breathing is labored. But for those of us that love Don Rich, we are not at all surprised that he's hanging on with all he's got, stubborn as he's always been.

I have many memories with my Grandpa that I will cherish forever. I can't even begin to list them all here. Everyone has a person in their life that has impacted their life in a big way- and for me, that person is my grandpa. Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a farmer- just like grandpa. He's always told all of his children and grandchildren to "get your education because it's something that no one can take away from you." I've never been so proud as when I walked across the stage at my college graduation to receive my degree in Crop Sciences knowing my grandpa was in the audience to see it happen. I think of him every day- and will love him always.

So, as my grandpa struggles to hang on, I offer up -once again- this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, please continue to be with my grandpa today. Help him to feel Your love, and the love of his family, both near and far. And help him to find peace and to come rest with You in Heaven. I know he's been missing grandma and is looking forward to walking with her in Heaven. Amen.