We Miss You, Grandpa!

   
    Mixed emotions flood our home today, as it has been two years since the passing of Joel's grandpa into Glory.  Sad because we miss him.  Happy, because we know he is better and we will see him again one day.  It seemed appropriate to have Joel post a tribute in his memory.  Although I never got to meet him, I feel like I know him just a little bit; and I think I can safely say we would have gotten along great!  

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    It has been two years since Grandpa Rumminger left us for Heaven. I still miss him, and there are many things I wish we could talk about, even though I would probably go and do what I was planning anyway. Sometimes it is just good to talk to someone about what is on your mind, even though it does not really change the outcome.

   I remember going on a hunting trip with Grandpa one weekend when I was in school. On the way to hunting camp we talked about something that was bothering me about the code of conduct at my school. Though we didn't agree, we were able to have a good conversation, and both of us respected the other's opinion. I am sure that Grandpa must have thought that I was crazy, but he was so humble and kind that we were able to have a real conversation about the issue, instead of just arguing. I wish I had the patience and wisdom to engage in real conversation like that.

   Grandpa really had a big influence on some of my desires and goals. He instilled a love for deer hunting in me by taking me with him when I was a boy. I remember one of the first times he took me with him on one of his trips. I was so excited to go out that I woke him up about 3 hours before light in order to get out to the woods early. He must have complained about that for a week, but I think he was happy that I got to go with him, because he invited me to go with him again after that.

   I enjoyed spending time in the woods with Grandpa, and I also liked building with him. The year before I started college he bought the lot next to his house to build his "Retirement Bungalow." Over the next four years we built the house while also creating some great memories. I learned so much from that project, and I hope that one day I might be able to design and build my own house like he did... I hope it doesn't take 4 years though.

   Grandpa was a wise and wonderful man who I miss greatly, but I know that he is much better off. He was very interested in politics, and though he died on election day, his absentee vote counted. I am sure that he would have been disappointed with the way the election has been going this year. It would have been obvious to him that we need a little more respect for each other, even when we disagree.
   Elmer Rumminger was a wonderful man who made the world better by his influence. We miss him, and thank God for the time we had with him. One glorious day I will see him again, and we will be able to have another conversation together. It is going to be wonderful!

Grandpa with the rest of the clan!
2012