Spending time with "Great Papa"

Recently, my cousin Kristin and I visited our dear 98 year old grandpa with our girls. We don't usually visit him together so that caused a bit of confusion. He kept thinking Leah and Ava were sisters.

His recollection of the past is still amazing though. We spent some time talking about the dairy farm in Wisconsin where our moms and their 6 sisters were raised - the same one where he grew up. We pulled out a box of old pictures he had and spent some time looking through those and reminising.

When Kristin asked him if he could recite "The Lord's Prayer" in Dutch, he said, "I don't think I know that." About 30 seconds later he said, "It's coming back to me," and then proceeded to recite the whole thing in Dutch. We also sang "The Roll is called Up Yonder," one of his favorites. He didn't sing with us but recited some of the words. We also recited one of his favorite Bible passages, Hebrews 12:1-2.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

While all of this was happening, our little ones were entertaining one another...and snitching jelly beans when they could. In between bites of jelly beans, Ava sang Jesus Loves Me to her "Great Papa," which he really seemed to enjoy.

We tried to take some photos, which was quite humorous. Between the girls and grandpa, it was hard to get one with everyone looking. We were grateful when our aunt Lori came to visit and she was able to get a group picture of us.

Every time I visit my grandpa, I can't help but wonder if this will be the last visit. With that in mind, I treasure every moment with him. Thanks, Grandpa, for blessing us for so many years with your wisdom, your humor, and your never-ending love for Jesus. We love you!