On May 31st my G-pa Heyden passed away and while I am heartbroken it brings me great comfort to know that he is no longer in pain. When they started treating his cancer they told us that he would have 6-8 months to fight. I planned a trip to Canada to visit with him in the middle of June so we could have some time together before he got worse. Within three weeks of starting his cancer treatment, he was gone.
My G-pa was strong. He was always outside working on something and on the go. He was handy and owned his own construction company for awhile. I have no memory of him working, they retired very young. He was tall and always pencil thin but in my eyes he could lift just about anything.
He was quiet (when he wasn't mad at you haha) and he wasn't much for crowds. Family gatherings weren't exactly his thing but he was there for most everything. He wasn't a member of the church and he believed that we came from apes, so one birthday I found this monkey and I gave it to him for his birthday. I have never seen him laugh so hard before. That monkey sat on his bed until he passed away. He was rather fond of him.
My G-pa wasn't outwardly affectionate but he was secretly sentimental. Anything I ever gave him he had tucked away in his room, somewhere safe and out of the way. His nickname for me was Stuffie and I have no idea why. While I knew he loved me he rarely said "love you too" it was always "take care now". The first time I remember hearing him say it I was 16 years old and I was talking on the phone. After that, it was a rare occasion but when he did say it I treasured it.
When I was little our house was 7 minutes away from G-ma and G-pa's house and we saw them all the time. I remember on several occasions calling G-pa up saying I didn't want to take a nap and he would come over and rescue me. Sometimes I would move into G-ma and G-pa's house for weeks on end. I loved it there!
When I was little I remember him rocking me to sleep and as he played with my children he would rock them to sleep.
The Sunday after my Daddy passed away G-pa came to church. He was all dressed up in his suit and he looked so handsome. He sat next to me and I held his hand and put my head on his shoulder. He asked a few questions but for the most part he just sat there holding my hand. It really meant a lot to me.
He took us camping and would whip us around on the lake for hours! He took us fishing and I have still never caught a fish. He says it's because I talk too much and fish don't like a blabber mouth. Obviously he's right. He taught me how to build things. When I was little, he made me the most incredible doll house which E now plays with and loves.
He and I understood each other in a way that other people didn't. I was his girl and it was a bond I was very proud of. Today was G-pa's funeral in Canada and due to several circumstances, I just couldn't make it, though I tried. It has been so difficult not being there for G-pa when in his own way he was always there for me. How grateful I am that he got to see me get married, and he got to love my children. He was the most important men in my life and I wish I could have said goodbye but I know he knows that. How I will miss him. While he didn't believe in Heaven I know that he is there waiting with Daddy and I am so thankful for eternal families. We sure do love you G-pa. xo Stuffie
