Now I know that this is not one of my typical topics, but it is one that everyone either has dealt with or will deal with.

I was fortunate enough to have all of my grandparents growing up. Ever since I was little, I can remember spending time with all of them. I would go work in the garden with some, fish and hunt with some, watch a ton of movies with some, and enjoy my time with them all. I had never lost anyone in my life, let alone someone I was close to. This past summer, that changed completely. I not only lost one grandparent, but three. I don’t know who you might have lost, or unfortunately, might be losing now, but I hope that you can get a little something from my experience that will help you.

When you think about the people, only think about the good times. The three grandparents I lost this summer were my mother’s dad, her grandpa, and my dad’s dad. When I look back and see them, I can see that the last few years were not the best to any of them. Naturally, they were getting older, sicker, and worn down. Now I am not saying that I did not have a load of great times with them these past few years, but the best memories I have are the ones of when we did things when I was younger. This is how I choose to remember them. These men were all such great influences in my life. They had a major role in shaping me into the man that I am today. I remember them falling out of the boat when we were fishing, or planning to get up really early to go hunt and spending an hour at the gas station talking to the old guys that were regulars. I remember when I got a sunburn calling them to ask what kind of shower to take. I remember building a chicken coop because I got selected in 4^th grade to get a bunch of chickens. I remember from the time when I announced my calling to preach, to the last time he was there to hear me, the encouragement that I received. I want you to be the same way. Think about the good times that you have had. While the people may be gone from you physically, those memories will always be there.

Remember what they taught you. This might be as simple how to use tools or as important on what to do when you have to make life decisions. The lessons we take from people are the influence that they leave on us. If you remember nothing from these people, just take the life lessons they have given you and actually use them.

People are not going to be around forever. Eventually, everyone will be gone and all that will be left is the memories and lessons that they have left on the world. For me, I hope to have kids one day. They will not know these men personally, but you best believe that they will know all about these men. Their great grandparents and great great gransparents were phenomenal people and I just hope that a little bit of them sticks around and shows in me.

C.Long