Golden Griddle

Sometimes, its really hard to write what's on your mind and in your heart. 

Tomorrow marks the 12-year anniversary of the day we lost my grandpa Stan.  Seems like forever.  It seems like yesterday.  I miss him all the time.  Not just on his birthday, or every February 6th or special holidays.  I miss him every October when we make Apple Butter and when the farmers turn fields in the spring.  I miss him when we sing "The Old Rugged Cross" in church and when I hear someone repeat one of his jokes (for the thousandth time).  When I see Bill fishing with the girls and when we sing the Doxology for grace at family meals.  When I make beef & noodles (with vinegar, of course) and when I sit in his blue chair. 

I could use this anniversary to be sad about all the great times I've missed with him over the past 12 years, or I can use it to be grateful for the amazing times we had in the 23 years before.  For the way he instilled the importance of family, faith, friendship in all of us.  For someone who loved life. For the way he made it happen...in spite of hard times or bad days.  And for his laugh. 

Tomorrow will be a good day.  As with any anniversary, it seems like a fitting time for a little celebration.  A day to celebrate life and love, and not focus so much on the sad.

So, those of you that know my grandpa....join me in a little "golden griddle".  You see, you just pull up the top.....and squeeeeezzzzeeeeee it in the middle.