I’m not sure where my grandpa got the nickname Lovable Lou, but I couldn’t think of a more appropriate description for such a wonderful guy. He was just fun to be around – whether sharing an old story, a joke, or putting on a silly hat to make us smile, you just couldn’t help but to love spending time with him. No one knew this better than my Grandma.
I think any of us should be so lucky as to find a love like my grandparents had. They found each other young and spent the rest of their lives making each other happy. They raised four great boys. They lived a full life.
I loved hearing Grandpa talk about the bakery. My favorite story is where he loaded up a bismarck so full of jelly that it exploded over the wise-guy that frequented the place. Of course stories weren’t all that remained from Gramp’s baking days… we grew up on his peanut butter twists and other tasty treats!
I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown up next door to my grandparents. We used to march over early in the summer mornings wearing our swimsuits – which Gramp called our “summer uniforms”. We’d run in and out of the house and somehow manage to get G & G to take us swimming at Raps Beach. Grandpa was often out tinkering in the garage. He was a handy guy. There were late night pinnachle games and early morning rides to school. Gramp always knew where we were headed and the exact time we got home each night. I loved that about him.
It was tough to see my grandparents have to leave the lake. I know Grandpa missed home a lot. Even so, he never lost that twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. Grandpa has missed Grandma these last months, too. So during this sad time it is comforting to know that the two of them are together again.
This is one of those times where I wish I was a writer – my words seem inadequate. My grandpa was a great man. I loved him – we all did. I will miss him.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and these pictures, Erin. The way you write about the relationship between your grandparents and the relatioship you got to share with them is beautiful.
Hugs to you all in this time of grieving a loss and celebrating a life well lived.
Melissa
oh my goodness…erin~you did good…you shared beautiful photos and wonderful words to go along with them…it got me all emotional reading your post! you are one lucky girl to have lived close to such fabulous people & how lucky to have such FANTASTIC stories & memories of your grandparents!!!
hugs!
You have an amazing talent for sharing the love & beautiful life you had with your grandparents. I have always enjoyed listening to you talk about them, when you do, your eyes light up. I loved hearing the stories your dad shared of working in the bakery, the story of your grandpa and the bismarck, and you girls in your “summer uniforms”. I have not met many people that seem as perfect as your grandparents. From all the stories and pictures I’ve seen, they compliment each other in all the right ways… I think too, it is comforting to know your grandparents are together again. My heart goes out to you & your family. I have kept you close in my thoughts each day. You celebrated the life of your grandpa well, Erin.