I'll Miss Him...

{Grandpa and I at Butchart Gardens - June 2009}

Last night my Grandpa Dahl passed away a little unexpectedly. He was recently having some health problems, but seemed to be slowly recovering from them. My dad talked to him a few days ago and being concerned, asked my Grandpa if he should go to the doctor. He said something like "you know, I don't have a lot of energy, but I feel good. If I could feel like this for the rest of my days, I would be happy." Little did he know how numbered his days left on earth would be.

He and his wife Phyllis went to Palm Springs last weekend and had a great time. Yesterday they went shopping and my grandpa was even teasing Phyllis about having her purse in the cart while he was pushing it... saying "these California people will wonder about me pushing around a purse." He was even excited to put together a new exercise bike they just bought. When they got home he sat down to rest and just minutes later his heart just seemed to stop working. He was 83 years old, but he was honestly sharp and at his best up until his last minute.

He was funny, kind, smart, and such a great example to me. In Phyllis's words, "this is a big day for him." I know that there were many people on the other side ready to welcome him... including my grandma, his brother Alan, his parents, and many others. I'm so grateful for eternal families and that I will be able to see him again!

{On our cruise to Alaska - June 2009}

{Grandpa & Phyllis - June 2009}

{With uncle Sam and my dad - Juneau, AK - June 2009}

{Sitting on the cruise ship deck - June 2009}

{Jon & Emilee's wedding - August 2010... the last time I saw him}