MARCH 8th, 2012: It started out as just another day of the eighth-grade, but ended as the day my grandfather was called home to heaven.

To be exact, my 13-and-a-half-year-old self didn’t know what to think as my spunky, jack-of-all-trades "Grandy" grew so weak he couldn't leave his bed. I might have been off playing in a soccer game during his last hour, but, thankfully, I saw him every day before that to have my time to say "Dasvindanyia."

As his complexion turned pale and his blue eyes faded to a dull grey, it would have been easy for Grandy to give up. Yet, even in the bitter end, his faith did not waver, and he remained hopeful.

Everyone claims to have the best parents and grandparents; however, I truly do. Even people not related to him recognized the wonder that was my Grandy.

"We were so moved by the beautiful funeral service and the heartfelt stories of your dear Herman- He was such a great man and a saint! Our hearts go out to you in this sad time of his loss. We know God has a special reward in Heaven for Herman for the kindness and love he gave every day. So very sorry for your loss of a loving husband and best friend, dad and granddad." - Lorraine and Dale Brown

After growing up during World War II, it is clear to see where he got his drive to never give up from. He was a fiercely courageous family man that always put others before himself as he inspired us all to live each day to the fullest.

Being baptized in secret was just the beginning of Grandy's hardships. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia during the war, hence the need to be baptized into the Catholic faith in private. Due to a divide in work camp placements, the last time Grandy saw his dad was at the age of two.

My great-grandfather, Otto, had sent my great-grandmother, Serafima, a note via messenger that read:

"Get out and don't come back."

Eventually, Serafima and her two kids were able to escape the work camps. While the older daughter was able to walk, Serafima dragged Grandy through the fields in a blanket since he was too little to walk great distances.

While it took many years for things to settle down, and they constantly had to move around Europe, Grandy went on to learn five different languages and got to attend school. Despite having to walk barefoot (in order to save his single pair of shoes for actual class), Grandy was glad he could get an education.

Everything Grandy's childhood didn’t have, he made sure ours did. Whether it was building us a tree fort, or surprising us with baby chicks — Grandy moved mountains every single day.

Cancer might have taken his life on earth, but his legacy lives on.

On the 8th of each month, I think fondly of my precious grandfather. With my half-birthday falling on the anniversary of his death and November 8th being Grandy’s birthday, clearly, the number eight must be important!

One day, when I was feeling extremely down and out, Grandy decided to interrupt my soothing Spotify playlist to blare “Thank You For The Music” (our favorite song).

It's the little reminders like these from my angel Grandy that remind me I can overcome any obstacle.

"Thank you (Grandy) for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me."

DASVIDANIYA until we meet again.

always,

your Super G.