Thankful Thursday

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This week I am thankful for grandfathers. I have been blessed with two very special grandfathers, both of whom passed on to be with the Lord several years ago.


I have written in the past of my Grandpa B. and how he was such a blessing in my life. I am so very thankful for him, but the 4th of July always will bring special memories of my Grandpa S.

I have many wonderful memories of him, but my favorite is our 4th of July celebrations. Since Grandpa was a dairy farmer, he and Grandma lived on a farm. Every 4th of July until I was in junior high was spent at their house (at that time my grandparents sold the farm, bought an RV and traveled the country for the next 10 years or so). We would all get up the morning of the 4th and Grandpa would take all us kids shopping for fireworks. We made a big production of it and spent the whole day anticipating the wonderful picnic we would have out in the front yard, lots of yummy watermelon to go around, and then ending the night with the fireworks that we had purchased earlier in the day. Truly a special family day together!

When Grandpa passed away a few years ago, my Dad gave the eulogy at his funeral. As he prepared what he would share, he contacted myself, my sisters and each of our cousins asking us for any special memories we had as he wanted to incorporate a few into the eulogy. While we all had several different memories, there was one that we all had in common.... the 4th of July celebrations.

This weekend as I spend special time with my husband and children, along with my parents, I will be remembering Grandpa and I will be thanking God for this special man that he placed in my life!


16 Thoughts Shared:

Addicted to Beadz said...

Melanie,

Great post! My Mom's parents were dairy farmers also. Even though both of my grandfathers passed when I was in 1st grade, I still have memories of both. When we would visit my Mom's Dad he always had sacks of candy waiting for us. Maybe I remember that so much because I loved candy.

Thanks for sharing that post about your grandfather, it leads to me remembering things from my past as well.

Have a blessed TT and a safe 4th of July.
Cheryl

i said...

This is a lovely tribute to your grandpas! I hold memories of mine very close to my heart too.

Have a blessed 4th weekend!

Anonymous said...

that is so sweet. your grandpa must be very proud of you looking down from heaven.

Joan said...

I grew up on a dairy farm, and we grew our own watermelon Your post brought back fond memories of childhood. What a blessing it is to have good family memories. What a blessing to live in this great country. Happy 4th.
Joan

Laurie Ann said...

You made my heart smile with that post. I only knew my grandfather on my mother's side. Daddy's father died before I was born. The times I spent with my grandfather came rushing back to me as I read your post. He made everything so "exciting" and filled us with anticipation when we'd get ready for something like the 4th. God bless you for sharing your heart and for reminding me of my precious grandfather. Oh, how I miss him.

Anonymous said...

Your grandpa sounds like a jewel! So glad you had him! Happy 4th to you Melanie!

Gina @ Gina's Public Diary

Kristi said...

Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I've been missing my grandpa this week too. His legacy lives on in you and that is priceless!
May you have a blessed and joy filled 4th!

Anonymous said...

This is a lovely post... I know only one of my GranPas as the other died long before I was born. The one I have is a very special man.

Thanks so much for sharing.

God bless you.

sharon.

Simply Dawn said...

What a sweet and specail post! I hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July!

Tricia said...

You have made me think of my Grand-daddy, he was a wonderful grandfather and I miss him and my granny terribly sometimes...

Thanks for the reminder, I too am thankful for all of my grandparents, who are no longer here with us.

Have a wonderful 4th!

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

What sweet reflections on your grandfather. Such honor you bring to their memories. You enjoy your 4th of July celebration, I am sure your Grandpa would want that!

Peggy said...

Melanie...what a great blessing of two special grandpas! I didn't have the joy of grandpas in my life!How aMazing your 4th of July memories! It is those blessings that keep them alive in our heart and treasure their heavenly welcome of us altogether once more!
What fireworks will have then!!!
Be blessed this 4th of July weekend making memories like these for your family! Enjoy! Thanks for coming to bless me at MMMaG!

Tracy said...

Precious tribute to your grandfather! Thank you for sharing those sweet memories.
Happy 4th!! = )

Marsha said...

This is beautiful, Melanie! It brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy your celebration with your family. Such a special time.

Tammy said...

A wonderful post on your grandpa. My father in law is a retired dairy farmer. Happy TT and have a blessed 4th with your family.

eph2810 said...

What a wonderful tribute to your grandfather :) Yes, it is wonderful to remember the family celebrations we had as a child - I often think about them...

Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us.

Blessings to you and yours...