James Stanley "Stan"
This last week saw the passing of my grandfather James Stanley. An incredible man of 81 years, he is finally free of his failing body and doing cart-wheels in heaven! It was only a month and a half from the time we learned that he had cancer to the time he took his last breath... but it was a great month and a half. All of the family knew what was coming and most of us were able to travel to see him one last time. What a sweet chance to be able to hug and love on someone for the last time... and even better still to know that they are headed to such a better place to await your own arrival.
My grandfather was a great man of faith and loved his family and friends through action. Having served in the military for 27 years he knew how to keep us grandkids in line... but was also the first one to introduce me to video games! I can remember scarfing down dinner at his house in Sedona, AZ so we could get back to our game of golf on the Intellivision (the first 16-bit game system ever made). And he also owned the first air rifle I ever shot... and provided plenty of empty soda cans for me to shoot up.
My grandfather is the first immediate relative I've had pass away and his funeral was the first that I have ever attended. When he retired from the air force he owned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, so he had full military honors at his funeral... including a 21 gun salute. The entire ceremony was quite powerful.
This whole week has been a wonderful time for our family. Through the funeral and interment we have had the chance to spend time in remembrance of my grandfather, but also in a time of bonding as a family. I ended up cherishing these days that the family was able to spend together because of the life of my grandfather. Here is a small tribute to my grandfather that we played during the funeral. Thanks to my sister for finding, scanning, and organizing all of the pictures... great job! And if you don't know my grandfather... you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for some childhood pics of myself scattered throughout.
posted by Brett Austin at 3/12/2007 10:35:00 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
May God's peace be with all of you.
Hey Brett,
So sorry that your Grandfather passed away but I'm so excited to hear what an amazing man he was and how he had a positive influence on you:) I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Much love,
Amy
Glad you got to go home, Brett. There is something sweet about being together with family as your grieving and celebrating all at once.
Bretters,
I enjoyed reading your post! It brought tears to my eyes to read you verbalize all that G'pa meant to you.
It was great to work with you on such a special project in Grandpa's honor.
Love ya lots!!
It's is a blessing to have received such a rich inheritance of faith, love, and honor from a grandparent. Your words, video, and life are a beautiful tribute to his life. May the God of all comfort bring you joy and peace as you continue grieving and reflecting on his life.
Love in Christ,
Lennae
Blessings to you and your family!
Brett,
I smiled, then wiped away the tears as I read your beautiful words and watched the video.
It may sound silly, but I am so proud of you and all that you are. I know Grandpa was proud of you too, and loved you and Autie so much.
Once again, it is I who am blessed by the love of your family. Thank you again.
Kendra
So sorry about your grandfather, he seemed to be an awesome man.
My grandfather also passed away just a few weeks ago, so it looks like our grandpa's are chillin together in heaven doing cartwheels...
Blessings!
sounds like a stud. glad he's with the big Guy now :)
Thanks everybody for the kind words and encouragements. It's a blessing to have such great friends and family!
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