It has been a little over one year since my Grandpa Lloyd left his Earthly home. To be grown and to have the blessing of grandparents still in your life is a special gift. To watch your own children grow to love and cherish your grandparents is nothing short of magical. My grandfather was a special man. Humble, brave, stubborn, frugal (LOL), Godly, selfless….I could go on and on. My grandfather spoke often of his childhood, of his past, of his days as a sailor on the USS Wake Island in WWII. He told the same stories over and over and this is what drew my Bryce in. He soaked up every word. He poured over the books grandpa gave him. He was an eager visitor even in the last days. Bryce sat and held grandpas hand. He wrapped his arms around grandpas frail body and wept as he knew he was saying his final goodbye.
We have a few Kendal Bears in our home, but our Grandpa Bear is the most treasured. He is made from a shirt that my grandmother had made for him and a pair of his coveralls. He smells like grandpa. He is a wonderful source of comfort and remembrance.
“On behalf of the President of the United States of America, the United States Navy and a grateful nation please accept this flag as symbol of our appreciation for your loved ones honorable and faithful service”….as the officer handed my own father the flag we all knew we had been blessed to know a real life super hero.
Kendal Bears 