My Grandpa Penrod

Last Tuesday my mom and dad were coming back to Indiana after spending some time with my Grandma and Grandpa Penrod.  This was the first year my grandparents didn't come home for Christmas so my mom and dad made a trip to see them.  She called me about noon on Tuesday to say that her and my dad had turned around and were heading back to Florida. After receiving a call from my Grandma, that my Grandpa had collapsed and was sent to the hospital, my parents thought this was the best thing to do. I am so thankful for the timing of all of these events that took place.  When my mom told me what happened I knew that "this was it." My Grandpa had suffered emphysema for some time now and had been gradually getting weaker.  When at the hospital, my parents realized that my Grandpa ad suffered cardiac arrest several times and was on life support.  At 1:00am he was taken off life support; seven minutes later, he breathed his last breath and  then went to see Jesus!
    I of course feel sad and will miss my Grandpa so much! However, I have such peace about this.  After being around my family all weekend and witnessing how loved he was at his funeral by his many friends and family, I can't help but think, "Wow, what a way to go!"  He was 78 and had 4 children, 12 grand kids and 10 great grand kids! He lived a very full life, and now is spending eternity in Heaven!"
    I had the privilege of speaking at the funeral. This is what I said:

    I'm Shelby Cadwell, one of my Grandpa Penrod's 12 grand kids. When I thought about what to say, my mind kept returning to the past and also reflecting on the future.
   When I think about my childhood, my Grandpa Penrod is very much apart of it! I remember very vividly when I was 11, my dad told me that we were finally going to have a neighbor! I hoped that the neighbor would have a pool or some girls my age to play with.  When I dad explained that our neighbors are going to be my Grandma & Grandpa Penrod.. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed.  VERY little did I know how much MORE of a blessing my "neighbors" would be to me! I cannot count the times in my life when I came through their front door (without knocking) and built memories that will stay with me my whole life. I can still picture Grandma working on a quilt in her blue chair, and my Grandpa reclined back in that big red recliner, the majority of the time watching the Cubs game. unless if was around 5:00, then it would be Gunsmoke.
   When my mom sent us over there to borrow some sugar or oil, she knew she wouldn't receive her needed items for awhile, because I would end up visiting with them for a long time! Usually our visits consisted of me talking, and them listening!  I was so blessed to be able to have my Grandpa be such a big part of my life.  He took me to countless softball practices and softball games; and it was always a treat when we got to ride on the motorcycle! When I think about my years playing softball, I think about my Grandpa.  Whether he was coaching me from the 3rd base line, or from his lawn chair on the sidelines, he volunteering became apart of my life.
When I started dating Brett, I would bring him over to visit my grandparents as well.  Each time after visiting with my Grandpa, Brett would say, "I just Love your grandpa!" And I would say "Really? What do you like so much about him?" He would respond, "I don't know.. he is just a really likable guy" Which is exactly true! I don't remember Grandpa Penrod helping me with homework, or taking me to the pool, or asking me question after question about my day (probably because he knew I would voluntarily give him the info:)) But when I think about my Grandpa.. I have such great feelings toward him and moments with him.. that I knew what Brett meant when he said "He is just a very likable guy"  Brett and I recently built more memories with my Grandpa Penrod when we went to visit in Florida. We had so much fun going on boat rides, riding down Alligator Ally, and then finishing our day at their favorite rib joint.
   So again when I think about my Grandpa, I will think about the past, and how many wonderful memories and moments I had with him.

As all of the events were happening last Tuesday and Wednesday, my sisters and I called each other throughout those two days. The thing I heard from all of them, was that  the pain will be the most real and hardest to handle when they think about the future. I completely agreed when I started thinking about what the next couple months and years are going to be like. How will I feel when Brett and I go to Florida in a few months, and expect to see my Grandpa Penrod there. How will I feel when I go to their trailer on the farm in the summer, and my Grandma is in her blue chair and the big, red recliner is empty. Or the realization that my lil boy will never get to meet Great Grandpa Penrod? As I think about these events, it of course makes me sad.
   But when i think about the future beyond these moments, I thank God that he has created a place for us believers to go and be reunited! Thinking about my Grandpa Penrod's present and future fills my heart with joy, because I know that he is enjoying his brand new lungs, sitting in a much bigger, more comfortable and hopefully a little more fashionable red recliner, having conversations with the Good Lord himself about why He has not allowed his Cubbies to win a World Series in a very long time! Or maybe he is playing rounds of golf with Noah or Moses! We can't imagine how amazing, and how perfect my Grandpa's new home is. And no, my Grandpa and I will not have our next embrace in beautiful and warm, Florida, but our next embrace with definitely be in an unbelievable place!!!   And no, my grandpa will of never have the opportunity to hold this lil guy in my belly, but he does have the opportunity to hold Brett and I's first baby!
   I am so thankful I can carry my past memories of my Grandpa in my heart forever, but I am more thankful and more grateful that I have very real and amazing moments with my Grandpa in the future!!!

   I love you Grandpa Penrod and will see you again!!!!