I don't even know where to start with this blog post. As you know Lauri and I welcomed our daughter into the world on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Earlier that day, I received a phone call that I never expected to get.
As Lauri and I had just gotten into a room at St. John's Hospital in Detroit, I got a message from my parents to call them as soon as I could. It was then that my Mom let me know that her dad, my grandpa, had passed away at 1:02 am that same morning. He was at a Henry Ford Hospital/St Joseph's Macomb on the other side of town.
He had been in the hospital after having a back surgery that we'd all hoped would take some of his pain away. But he would never recover from that surgery. His heart finally stopped working, and he went home to heaven...
So this entire experience of having our first child (Some of our parents first grandchild, and some of our grandparents first great grandchild) has come with a great deal of mixed emotions. I think God gave us Norah the same day we lost my Grandpa so that we would realize all of his great blessings. From the birth of a little miracle, to the eternal life he's given us.
Today we buried my grandpa. We heard a number of people speak to his memory. They spoke about how he was a great servant - from being a highly ranking member of the Detroit Police Reserves (Adjutant Commander, the highest rank a Detroit Police Reservist can reach), to a Boy Scout pack leader, to an active member of his church and community. He lived to serve others. I know he lived to see his children and grandchildren acheive all the blessings this life has to offer. I'll never forget the look on his face when I'd give him great news. When Lauri and I got engaged. When we told him that we were expecting his first great-grandchild. He was always there to give me good advice when I needed it too.
Sorry if I've been rambling here, but I really need to get this off my chest and say how much I'm going to miss him.
Thanks.
3.22.2008
Two Great Blessings this Easter Season.
Rest in Peace
Claude Hubert Decker
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5 comments:
Papa will definitely be missed by all. It's so wonderful to hear other people (such as the Reserves at his funeral) talking about all the wonderful things he achieved. We know how great Papa was, so it's nice to realize that other people outside of the family recognize that too.
And now, it's our job now to tell Norah all about her great grandpa and make sure his memory lives on forever :)
I love you!
Jess
It sure makes a dad very proud to hear his kids talk so highly of their grandpa. I don't think we all realize how much he will be missed.
Your grandpa sounds like he left a wonderful legacy, now of which Norah will be part of being born on the day he passed. The service was a wonderful testimonial of the man he was and you can all be very proud. Norah is beautiful. Bless you all. Deb v
I'm so sorry for your loss
John, but I know your Grandpa was a wonderful man and I'm so glad Lauri was able to know him so you can share stories with Norah together.
I know that beautiful Norah is a blessing during this difficult time for your whole family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Lindsey, Ryan and Braiden
You write very well.
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