Tribute to G-Dad

It's been a crazy weekend for the Clelands- I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week!  I received the dreaded call on Friday that my Grandfather, G-Dad as we call him, had passed away in his sleep.  We had been preparing ourselves for this day, but it still hits you like a ton of bricks when it comes.  I don't want this to be a sad post, but yet a happy one reminiscing on the wonderful times that we had with him.

G-dad really lived up to being a "grand" father- always in a good mood and one of the most caring, hardworking and creative people I know.  When we were younger, we would wake up to him cooking us pancakes that spelled out our names (I will definitely be doing this for Tyler) and would always have an arts and crafts project ready for us when we came to visit overnight.  He was also the one who measured our heights on the inside of the hall closet, and we would always stand as straight as possible to give us a little boost, well at least I did!  He made this outstanding bread fondue that we insisted on him bringing to every family get together- did I mention that he also handmade the bread?  He was a fantastic cook and had perfected the art of cooking meat on the grill and smoker.  And we also used to go bowling with him and he would teach us little tricks to improving our game; who better than someone who has bowled a perfect game?  I can hear him now, "follow through on the release and make sure to bring that thumb all the way to your ear." 

I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful grandfather in my life and luckily I inherited a few things from him too, such as my frugalness, devotion to my family and my beautiful little dimple in my chin.  I can't tell you how excited I was to see that Tyler has the same dimple in his chin too :)  I wish that Tyler would have been able to grow up with G-dad, but now I get to tell him stories and show him all of the things that he made- wooden desk clocks, stained glass table lamps, knives, unbelievable grandfather clocks, the list goes on. 
I also have a special bond with G-dad; our birthdays are two days apart (and many years, haha) so we always celebrated together.  Now I suppose I need to celebrate for the two of us? A task that I will gladly accept! 

Classic G-Dad

Moonie & G-Dad's Wedding Day- 10/11/46- 64 years of wedded bliss!

G-dad, I can see you now, playing a round of golf during the day and relaxing at night in your wingback chair, legs crossed, doing a crossword puzzle while checking up on the days changes in the stock market.  Cheers to you for a wonderful 89 years of life and showing us what being a son, husband, brother, father, "grand" father and Great grandfather should encompass!  Moonie (my grandmother) is in good hands and we'll try not to let her shop too much or eat too many sweets.  Love You!