I recently have lost a beautiful soul in my life.

A soul that has imprinted deeply on not only my heart and personality, but also my perspective on life itself.

A soul who will go down in history as one of the most selfless, loving, and proud human beings that I have ever met.

A soul who is my Pop-Pop.

I have only lost someone special once before. And almost too young to really understand or confront my true emotions. But as I sit here today, just returning from the services, I cry tears of happiness, sadness, relief, and thankfulness. Nothing in this world could fill this man’s shoes and all he taught to his friends, family, and anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. He was a man who lived by simplicity and hard work. He learned quickly in life that anything that was worth it didn’t come easy, but as long as you put in the effort, good things will come out of it. To say the least there is not much this man hasn’t taught me.

He gave his loved ones more support than they could ever ask for and encouraged them to learn for themselves. He was a husband, a dad, a grandfather, a helper, a comedian, a creator, and a person full of wisdom that surely will be missed.

A poem was read at his funeral in memory of him. Not only are these words of remembrance, but also a way of life

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I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on his tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the day of his birth

And spoke of the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That he spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved him

Know what the little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

-Linda Ellis

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Yes, of course I am sad there is no more time. And of course I wish I could’ve said goodbye, but there is absolutely nothing I would’ve done differently. There is nothing that I would’ve changed or regret I did because I did absolutely everything I wanted. There was plenty of travel, golf, sports competitions, holidays, dances, laughs, and peanut butter fudge. I am so lucky to have gotten the time I did with such a beautiful soul.

Let this be a life lesson: appreciate every moment you have with the ones you love, don't wish you had more time, live with no regrets, don’t take the special times for granted, and spend your dash with meaning, love, and simplicity.

Rest In Peace Pop-Pop, until we meet again.