Now the time has come to celebrate the life and death of a man that has made a lasting impression on this earth through many people. A person rarely attends a funeral where the mood is filled with joyous celebration but let me tell you, it is very special when you do! The bible talks about the importance our life decisions make on our descendants. Our granddaddy's life was proof of that being true. I have always thought I understood this but never to the extent that I do now. Although there were tears, they were tears of joy and respect. Grandaddy was home, reunited with his bride! Oh what a glorious day it must have been for him...to see our Savior face-to-face for the very first time.
Adam spoke about his grandaddy, what he meant to him personally, and what he will be able to pass on to his son. He mentioned granddaddy's ability to remain consistent every day...not wearing "two-faces." How he was the same at home as he was in public. Adam recalled many times where he would tag along with grandaddy to work and there was not one time, Adam could recall, where grandaddy didn't behave with the utmost dignity and character. This may be one of the hardest attributes to obtain because it is our human nature to strive to be "liked" and sometimes we compromise in order to achieve it.
Another defining trait Adam mentioned was that Grandaddy was not afraid to show love. Adam couldn't have said it any better..."Men don’t have to be statues to demonstrate strength." Grandaddy took every opportunity to spend time with grand kids, challenge them, and he was devoted to their development.
One of the Cromwell's favorite pass time...shooting guns. 2008.
The last characteristic that Adam mentioned is arguably the most important. Grandaddy demonstrated a Christ like heart to others. He led by example in LOOKING for ways to help others. He was not one to gossip and in a small town that seems hard to do. He followed the simple motto "If you don't have anything nice to say..." I feel like I am doing a really poor job in describing the quality of this man. If I can give even a glimpse into this man's life and importance, then I feel I will have accomplished what I set out to do.
· It is these traits and many more like them, that God uses everyday to continue His work here on earth. The life Granddaddy lived will continue to impact those that knew him. I know it certainly shapes the way we raise our son!
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thankfully, we were able to make a trip home for the funeral. Like I said, it was a time filled with good stories and lots of love....just like Grandaddy would have wanted.
We never leave Nana's house without a photo shoot :). Which, now that we have Gavin, I am very thankful for. She does a great job capturing all of his faces!
We were blessed with beautiful fall weather so the Cromwell boys decided to take advantage and do some work outside. They chopped and collected wood for the upcoming winter. There is nothing like sitting by the fire, reminiscing.
Gavin's first ride on the tractor
One of the sweetest times Gavin gives us is his "night time" milk. He is too big to let us help him but at least he lets us hold him while he drinks it.
This night, Ma and Pa were able to come over and watch Gavin for us while we went to the twins football game. He loved spending time with them and we loved having family available to babysit.
Even though the kids seem to grow two feet every time we go home and I feel so old, it is a blast getting to watch them participate in sports. We missed getting to see Claire play soccer but hopefully we will get to see her play or cheer soon.
Carter in charge of the stats...
Clay #25 and Case #44
Claire with her friend
Enjoying a good ole fashion hamburger
Watching the game
The Hardin County All-Star Team
Gavin practicing for his upcoming football debut
Despite the busy schedule, we were able to break away and eat a bite of dinner with Big Momma and DD. Since they live in Memphis, we decided to meet half-way in Jackson, TN. We ate at a local Italian restaurant called "The Old Spaghetti Store." It was really good food and fellowship. Because we ate dinner a little early, the restaurant wasn't very full. This gave Gavin and DD room to run around and play in the fountain :).
We are very blessed to have so many grandparents that love Gavin unconditionally. Even though, this world has lost a great man and grandaddy, we will never forget the example he set for us and will try hard to carry on his legacy through our son.
By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established. –Proverbs 24:3
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson
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