Things I love, admire, and remember about my Grandpa, Ray Isenberg:
He was not a highly school educated man, but he was BRILLIANT! He knew everything about everything when it came to machines of all sorts, tools, and cars. If he didn't know how to fix it, he would read about it. If he didn't have the tool, he would make the tool he needed. He taught my dad almost everything he knows, including how to fill up a garage with nuts, bolts, and things that you might need some day, you just never know.
He was not an emotional, lovey dovey, squishy feelings guy, but I loved hearing him call my Grandma, Nannie Bell. He was the only one who got away with calling her that.
Growing up Grandma and Grandpas car smelled like cigarette smoke and leather, and I loved the smell. It was a familiar smell. He quit smoking a few years ago so the car doesn't smell like that now. But when I got to Branson this past weekend I got in their car and sniffed as hard as I could to try and capture the remotest whiff of that smell.
If I sit here quietly I can hear his gravely voice exclaim "Good Lord!" That was his expression of choice.
Carrie and I had to be careful when expressing any interest in any boy that was around in front of Grandpa. He would make sure that we were introduced to that said boy, and if there was a camera around we would get our picture taken.
He loved to give waitresses a bad time, and they loved it. He could be ornery and charming all at the same time.
What I love most, and what helps me be at peace with the fact that I have lost one of the most important men in my life, is that he had a faith in God. It was his own faith, he wasn't raised in the church, he made the choice in his 20's to be baptized. And he proceeded to help Grandma raise his family in the Lord. For me there is no greater peace than the knowledge that all of his physical suffering over the past 5 years is over and that he is now seeing the other side of this life. He fought the good fight, he ran the race. I do and will miss him terribly. And I am so proud to able to say that I am Ray Isenberg's Granddaughter.
5 comments:
That is a wonderful tribute to Grandpa. We miss him but its true that we are glad he isn't suffering anymore. I'll see you in a few days. Kiss my sweet girls for me. Love, Mom aka Gma
I can hear him say "good lord" in my head too :) Gravely is the perfect word to describe his voice. These were great memories you shared :)
I'm glad you have good memories of your grandpa to carry with you through life. My dad passed on in 1975. I still think about him; his life with us growing up, and his last days fighting for air. All that's left are the memories.
He was such a sweet man! I will miss him! Love you!!
You and Carrie are so good at putting things into words. It was so sweet to be able to read your guys' farewell blogs to Gpa I, it makes me feel like I'm able to be there with you. I'm greatful I was able to see him last year. Love you much!!!!
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