Well Done, Pops.

Well done, Pops. We are each given one go around on this Earth, and you certainly made the most of yours. Many people will say that you left us much too early, and I will certainly agree. However, as if planned from the start, you completed all your tasks, and left nothing unfinished before saying good-bye. Many people leave curious about their legacy, and what they will be remembered for. You Pops, were one of the lucky ones. You lived and enjoyed your legacy each day you were with us. You leave a world filled with people better for having known you, no matter how brief a time. A man who can live a life of self-less joy, and leave a legacy of love, is truly a special man, and certainly a man that I am better for having let into my life.
On behalf of all of the lives you have touched and filled with joy, laughter, and love, I say thanks for coming. And for those that shared in your life the closest, your Wife of 50 years, Six happy Children, thirteen Grandchildren, Daughter-in-laws, Son-in-laws, Brothers, lifelong friends, we are basking in a rare sunny February day in Rochester, knowing you are at peace.

You and I have had several talks over the years that I will always hold dear. But nothing means more to me than the trust you put in me to watch over your Daughter. The love you held for your family was ever present in everything you did in your life. Each day I look at my wife and my children, I see the imprints of your love and guidance, and I welcome that this will continue for years to come.

Finally, I find myself coming back to this song. We spoke over the last two weeks of your plans, and how you wanted your family to be. Self-less to the end, I came back to this song as if it was written by your hand. So, for you and your family, I leave it here.

Brad Paisley - When I Get Where I'm Going (click the link to hear the song)

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,
and run my fingers through his mane.
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,
and he'll match me step for step,
and I'll tell him how I missed him,
every minute since he left.
Then I'll hug his neck.

(Chorus)
So much pain and so much darkness,
in this world we stumble through.
All these questions, I can't answer,
so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,
and I see my Maker's face.
I'll stand forever in the light,
of His amazing grace.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
Hallelujah!
I will love and have no fear.

When I get where I'm going.
Yeah when I get where I'm going.

Godspeed Bob. I'll look for you with my family each day, and I know you will be looking over us. Welcome home, may you rest easy knowing you made this world a better place.