A Visit with Great Papa

Recently, we went with my mom to Holland to visit my grandpa, who Hannah affectionately calls "Great Papa." She calls my dad Papa so it seems only right that her great grandpa should be called Great Papa. :-) My grandpa will be 97 - Wow! I never met any of my great grandparents so I think it's pretty special that our girls have two great grandparents (my dad's mom is almost 98). We can tell my grandpa is slowing down and his mind isn't as sharp, so we cherish the time we spend with him.

He is always so delighted to tell Hannah that he used to have a mom named Hannah. Hannah has heard this many, many, many times but is usually pretty gracious when he tells her yet again. He has always been a whistler so when Hannah learned to whistle at age 4 he was very impressed. When she whistles for him he always recites, "a whistling girl and a crowing hen will each come to some bad end." I always chuckle and think it's good that it goes right over Hannah's head. This time Ava discovered Great Papa's stash of jelly beans and quickly helped herself... she is now officially part of Grandpa Pete's family. :-)

My grandpa was kind of quiet during this visit which made me sad. He didn't even share his usual tidbits from above. My mom said that she and her sisters can tell he is really slowing down and showing his age. It does help to know that he has lived a good long life. When he does head home to Jesus, his wonderful example and legacy will live on. We love you, Grandpa!