remembering

His rock collections, his voice. His vitamin D milk. Ice cream sandwiches, candy jars, his old wooden paddle. His chair, his glasses, his fish tank. “Well, well, well.” and “Let me look at you…” and "Hello. Mitch Fisher speaking." His green painted home, the tree house, the sandbox. Tether ball, cereal, his back porch. His old western movies, church mints…the mood-o-meter. Sitting in his chair, watching time go by. Reading letters, looking through photos, sharing memories. His kindness. His gentleness. Caring. His blessings, his age-worn hands. His slippers and cane. His smile, his laugh, his love for his wife. He is the man I will remember. He is my grandpa.

My Grandpa Fisher passed away this morning in his home. Grandpa hasn’t been “grandpa” for quite some time now. He has mourned the loss of his dear wife for 15 long years, gone down hill since 2002, and has been bed-ridden for the past year, barely able to sit up. He has waited for this day to be with the love of his life and all of us are happy for him. Finally with grandma, with Uncle Rob, Uncle Mike. His mother, his father, lost grandchildren and more. Grandpa has finally made it home safely. After 94 years of life on earth, he has finished what our Father in Heaven had in store for him. Now, he can accomplish what is needed with those he has missed for so long.

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Dear Grandpa,

I will miss you. I will always remember you, and your love for me. I can close my eyes and picture you in your awesome house, sitting in your soft chair, looking out the window or having a conversation with me. Do you remember when you tried to tell me about your dinosaur egg? How you called me the “unbeliever?” Well... I believe you grandpa, I do.

I love you and am so grateful for the memories made, the memories you have shared. I am saddened to have you leave, but am happy for the peace you must be filling. You have touched many lives, and influenced us all.

I hope one day, to be more like you.

I love ya grandpa, and will miss you.

Love,

your 40^th grandchild, Melanie