You will be missed Grandpa!

As I was filing papers the other day I came across the funeral program for my Grandpa McLean. I was not able to attend the funeral but my mom brought me back a program. It hit me that my grandfather was actually gone. Charlie McLean passed away on July 6th, 2009. Just 3 days (almost to the hour) before Alyssa was born.We like to think that Alyssa and Grandpa got to meet each other and spend some time together in the spirit world before she came to Earth.I was sad that I couldn’t attend the funeral but got caught up in the birth and life of my new daughter. I hadn’t really had a moment to reflect on my grandpa’s life until now. He was a great man. Grandpa was a quiet man and was soft-spoken. He was a strong man who loved his family and did all he could to support them.

He suffered for most of my life with Parkinson’s disease. This meant that his body didn’t always cooperate with all the things that he wanted to do. It was sometimes hard for him to walk and I remember my Grandma always letting him put his hands on her shoulders for support as he walked behind her.

My grandpa liked to go for walks and I remember going on many walks with him and my grandma. We would go to the park by their house in San Diego and walk around, enjoying the beautiful scenes of nature.

My grandpa also liked to sail. He raced sailboats when he was younger and won many of the races. He would take us out sailing when we went to visit. Sometimes he would even let us help steer the boat. I always loved going sailing with him.

My husband Jim only knew my grandfather for a short time. Jim was only able to meet him after Grandpa got very sick. Jim and I went up to visit him and my Grandma the summer before we got engaged (2007). It was a great trip and I am so glad that we were able to go. One of my favorite memories is going to the waterfall in Oregon where my grandparents lived at the time. It was fun for my grandpa to be able to get out and to enjoy nature again for a short time.

While I miss my Grandpa McLean, I know that he is in a better place, a place where he won’t have to suffer anymore. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have and for the Holy Spirit which brings comfort to us in times of grief. I am grateful to my Grandpa for accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ and joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can see my grandpa again. I know that the plan of salvation is real and that there is life after death. I am so glad that I will be able to see him again and get to know him better in the next life. I hope that I can pass on the legacy that my grandfather left me of hard work, strength, intelligence, humility, sacrifice, love and charity.

I love you Grandpa!