June 24 – Today was Grandpa’s funeral. When I arrived around 9am for the one hour showing beforehand, I was informed by my sister, Ariel, that I had been volunteered to speak during the service. I went into panic mode – not because I was afraid of speaking in front of a crowd – but because I wasn’t so sure that I would be able to choke back the tears and keep it together.

I was reminded of one of my Grandpa’s favorite sayings – “Do what you know to do.” Well, I know how to write, so I quickly compiled a short speech in which I tried my best to honor him for the outstanding father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and man of God he had always been. Mere words could never begin to do that man justice. But nevertheless, I gave it my all.

Following the funeral and graveside service, our immediate family gathered back at the funeral home to eat together. I was extremely cold after coming in from the pouring rain, and so my brother, Abe, gave me his suit jacket to wear…which he had borrowed from my father. I ended up wearing it home, and as I glanced up at myself in the bathroom mirror, the overwhelming amount of symbolism washed over me.

My grandpa’s legacy will continue to live on – through my father, through my uncle, my brother…through each and every person’s life that my grandfather touched. WE are his legacy. As I stand here in my father’s suit jacket – swallowing me in size – I realize just how big that role is to fill. Grandpa – help me make you proud.