Always Eat Dessert
I'd like to tell you about my grandfather. My grandparents, really, because as it was said at the memorial service last weekend, you can't talk about one without talking about the other. If my grandma had lived a few more months, they would have been married for 70 years.
If you only looked at them, you might make the mistake of thinking that my grandparents were weak. After all, by the time I came on the scene, they were both topping off around five feet tall. I swear Grandpa never weighed more than 95 pounds soaking wet.
But looks are deceiving.
Bob and Ruth Bracey with Grandpa's younger brother Jay, c. 1937
If you only looked at them, you might make the mistake of thinking that my grandparents were weak. After all, by the time I came on the scene, they were both topping off around five feet tall. I swear Grandpa never weighed more than 95 pounds soaking wet.
But looks are deceiving.
Grandpa, Grandma, Dad and Aunt Jan, sometime in the '50s
What they lacked in physical stature, Grandpa and Grandma made up in spiritual and emotional strength. Grandpa was a pastor for more than 50 years, and didn't fully retire until his 80s. By all accounts, Grandma worked even harder, doing as much for Grandpa's church congregations as he did himself, and was singularly responsible for his sermons getting finished on Saturday nights.
My grandparents led by example. They were the kind of Christians who change the world by demonstrating their ability to love, serve their communities, and bring people of different walks of life and even different faiths together for common purpose. The power of their love has left an indelible mark on me and certainly many others, as evidenced at the memorial service. Many times on Saturday, I heard "Robert Bracey was a mighty man."
My grandparents led by example. They were the kind of Christians who change the world by demonstrating their ability to love, serve their communities, and bring people of different walks of life and even different faiths together for common purpose. The power of their love has left an indelible mark on me and certainly many others, as evidenced at the memorial service. Many times on Saturday, I heard "Robert Bracey was a mighty man."
For the record, he also had a mighty sweet tooth.
Grandma, for her part, had no problems satisfying that sweet tooth with Maine blueberry pie and lemon chiffon pie, two family favorites. Given his diminutive size, particularly late in his life, a portion for Grandpa was usually about a third of a portion for someone else (he also ate soup with a teaspoon). But no matter what was for dinner, he always had to have dessert.
So it was only fitting, as my family gathered after the service for dinner, that we should all order dessert. We couldn't properly celebrate Grandpa's life without it.
Ruth Dunlap Bracey, 1913 - 2007
Robert Julian Bracey, 1913 - 2008
I am truly blessed.
Grandma, for her part, had no problems satisfying that sweet tooth with Maine blueberry pie and lemon chiffon pie, two family favorites. Given his diminutive size, particularly late in his life, a portion for Grandpa was usually about a third of a portion for someone else (he also ate soup with a teaspoon). But no matter what was for dinner, he always had to have dessert.
So it was only fitting, as my family gathered after the service for dinner, that we should all order dessert. We couldn't properly celebrate Grandpa's life without it.
Ruth Dunlap Bracey, 1913 - 2007
Robert Julian Bracey, 1913 - 2008
I am truly blessed.
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing!
April 2, 2009, at 10:00 PM~ingrid
I miss them both so much!! They were both amazing people and their memory inspires me everyday.
April 3, 2009, at 1:35 PMWonderful post, I agree, thank you for sharing.
April 3, 2009, at 9:41 PMI'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. What a wonderful tribute.
April 5, 2009, at 10:29 AM