Lots has happened in the past few weeks and I would be extremely ungrateful if I did not take a little bit of time to write a blog for dear, sweet grandpa VandeMerwe! He passed from this life on December 18, 2010 and was an amazing man and example to me. As I think about the different events that took place in his last week of life I am overwhelmed with how much my loving Heavenly Father truly cares for each of His children! We experienced countless tender mercies of the Lord while we were in Utah and feel blessed that we were able to share in Grandpa's last week!
This is grandpa Joe with his brothers and sisters when they still lived in Holland! Grandpa is the 3rd from the left in the top picture!
This is grandma and grandpa on their wedding day! Aren't they beautiful?
Well I guess I can start with the tender mercies...
1.)The project Broc is working on currently had a review in Salt Lake City Utah and since Broc schedules the reviews he was able to make it close to Christmas plus convince his manager that he should be placed on the review!
2.)Broc was scheduled to go to Utah on Monday the 13th which meant Broc made it in time for Grandpa to recognize him, a memory Broc will cherish forever!
3.)I was able to make it in time on Wednesday night to say my goodbyes and spend time with Grandpa before he passed!
4.)Every member of Broc's family was able to gather together for the funeral and share special experiences as we laughed and cried together about memories and moments with grandpa!
This is a picture of the whole family gathered together after the funeral services on Tuesday!
5.)After so many years of serving others we were able to tenderly take care of Grandpa in his last week and it was such a blessing for all of us, especially his children!
6.)The airlines were generous and waived our flight changing fees which significantly helped us out!
7.)We got to look through hundreds of pictures and hear stories from family and friends! Some stories his own children had never even heard!
8.) We were able to participate in the funeral services and preparation, a unique experience that was so great!
When all is said and done, I feel so grateful that I was able to know and love Grandpa VandeMerwe! His example and life have paved a path for me to follow and live up to! I want to serve like he served! I want to love like he loved! I want to be happy with life like he was happy with life! I want to have faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ, like he had faith! Most of all, when my time comes to leave this life, I want to go like he went, with no regrets!
As Grandpa would often say to his kids when they were not living up to their name...You're a VandeMerwe Dang it! Well Grandpa all I have to say is you were a VandeMerwe dang it and I am so proud I have you as part of my heritage now! May your mission continue to be one filled with work, love and service! We love you and miss you always but look forward to the day we can be reunited with you! I know that the Plan of Happiness is one that will bring us true happiness someday because then we will all be reunited as a family again! God be with you till we meet again Grandpa!
He and grandma in front of the George Hotel, an old hotel that he bought and basically rebuilt all in his late 70's! The house was infested with bats and falling apart but he worked hard and made it into a beautiful hotel once again!
Seems like a great man. What a blessing you were able to see him before he passed.
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