I always enjoyed hearing Grandpa's stories about all the different things he'd done in life like his adventures with his friend Mark, sleeping in jails as he was traveling cross country during the depression, working at Yellowstone, working for the railroad, etc.

One evening a couple of months ago he and I were visiting.  I was getting a few more details on a couple of the stories he'd told me.  Then, for a few minutes he was quiet and didn't say anything.  We just sat there watching O'Reilly.  Then he looked at me and said, "You know... I've lived a good life."

Now, if you knew Grandpa then you know how uncharacteristic it was for him to talk about himself like that.  But if you knew Grandpa, then you'd also know he was right... and that to say he'd lived a "good life" is probably one of the biggest understatements of all time.  So, it was all I could do to choke back that lump in my throat and say, "Yes Grandpa...you certainly have."  They were just a few words from him in that moment but they were some of the most profound words I've ever heard anyone say...words I'll never forget...and words, when the time time comes, I hope I can say with that same certainty.  

My Pa Pa gave the best hugs, hands down, ever. It didn't matter how frail he became, his arms held a wealth of strength in them  because they were filled with his love.

True strength comes from the love you find within. His true strength was evident in everything he did. His sweet smile, his care for family and friends, his love for God; all of this made him one of the strongest men I have ever met. It's the reason why his hugs were so strong, because the strength that was in his arms came from the love that was deep in his heart.

He enriched the lives of so many, but I think the strength of his hug remains in the memory of anyone who was blessed enough to be embraced by him. 

I think all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren know that song by heart. No one could sing it better than him :)