Grandpa's Blessing

Because of Grandpa, donuts will always taste best on Sunday morning.

During our visits to Texas, I anticipated waking up on Sunday morning to a fresh box of doughy-sugary goodness from Shipleys. Grandpa could always be counted on to go out early and procure the goods. He wanted to delight us... and also ensure we were properly fueled for a day in The Lord's House.

Because of Grandpa, I will always understand the power of nonverbal communication.

Grandpa just had the look! Chin lowered. Eyebrows raised. Lips in a thin line. Slow blink. You know the one? In a family full of shenanigans, one look from Grandpa instantly communicated amusement or bemusement.

Because of Grandpa, I will always say, "I know you right."

And nope. That's not a typo. It's a Goodwin-ism. And I hope I never forget the sound of his voice saying it. Essentially, it means "Yep. You're right about that." Even if I don't wholeheartedly agree. Sometimes keeping the peace is more important than speaking your piece.

Because of Grandpa, I have Christmas traditions.

Tamales, ham, and fudge make up THE Christmas Eve meal. Santa Claus is real. Giving more than you can truly afford is important. And Christmas-themed boxers in the men's department will always be hilarious.

Because of Grandpa, I won't give up on love.

Grandpa assured me IT was going to happen. Fast. I wouldn't even know what hit me. He also told me if I wanted to find a husband, I needed to put my books down and go out and look for one. So, there's that! Ha!

Because of Grandpa, I'll keep playing dominoes and Scrabble.

Grandpa wouldn't talk much when he played, but that mischievous grin sure would blind us when he made a sneaky move and scored big.

Because of Grandpa, I dream of having a little boy of my own someday.

Weaving "Noble" into his name. Teaching him how to pray and be a man who demonstrates strength by loving and caring for others. Telling him all about the man he was named after.

Because of Grandpa, I will SHOW my love- not just "say" my love.

On one of our last FaceTimes, my family was saying our goodbyes. We each took a turn saying, "I love you, Grandpa." I knew he had a hard time hearing us over the phone and I also knew he was having a hard time speaking. In a moment of inspiration, I threw up the "ILY" hand sign. To all of our surprise, he signed it back. That moment was special and sacred. Love spoken is beautiful. Love demonstrated is life-changing.

Because of Grandpa, I am me.

Because of Grandpa, I am blessed.

Today would have been Grandpa's 80th birthday- December 7, 2023.

I wish we could have celebrated him here on Earth, but I trust the parties in Heaven are way better than anything we could have thrown together.

Watching videos of Grandpa over the last few weeks, I noticed a theme in his prayers. I decided to transcribe one of them. This particular prayer was prayed over my first cousin Brandy's kids, Mason and Abigail, at their baptism:

Bless them in a MIGHTY WAY, Lord Keep your hand on them, Lord Go with them, Lord Guide them Lead them Bring them to a place, Lord, where they can fully know you through the power of the HOLY GHOST Keep your hand on them, Lord Watch over them, Lord Give them a good life, I pray In Jesus' Name!

Grandpa's blessing is powerful.

His body may have been zapped of strength, but the Spirit inside him was strong.

Grandpa understood a good life is only found in living in the goodness and grace of God.

Grandpa believed a rich life could only be obtained through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Grandpa's gift was passing down this steadfast faith and example to those of us who remain.

Because of Grandpa, we understand Holy Ghost power is what sustains us through the trials of this life.

Holy Ghost power is what allows our impact to reach beyond our shortcomings, limitations, and failures.

Holy Ghost power is what allows us to walk in blessings, favor, promise, victory, and authority.

This is his legacy to us: Grandma, his three children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Because of Grandpa, I am blessed.

And because of Grandpa, I know how to pray blessing over those I love.

So, over all who are reading, I pray:

Bless them in a MIGHTY WAY, Lord Keep your hand on them, Lord Go with them, Lord Guide them Lead them Bring them to a place, Lord, where they can fully know you through the power of the HOLY GHOST Keep your hand on them, Lord Watch over them, Lord Give them a good life, I pray In Jesus' Name!

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Grandpa!

Thank you for living your life in a way that blessed me, eternally.

Yours,

Alaina