Andy’s Grandfather, Grandpa Blume, passed away early Christmas morning. He lived a good, long life. I never knew him well, but I loved Grandpa Blume. All you had to do was see him with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know the type of man he was. They all adored him. His Memorial Service was today at Geils Funeral Home in Bensenville, IL. Unfortunately, the kids and I could not attend with Andy. Kristena did take a few pictures, including one of the altar. Andy said the service was very nice. I’m really sorry that I missed it. I’m grateful that Andy could go and have the opportunity to say goodbye to Grandpa Blume.
While sitting at work today, a memory from the Summer of 2004 popped into my head. We had gone to the Chicago area to visit Dave, Kristena, and Avry. We stopped in to see Grandpa Blume for an afternoon. He was so excited to see us and spent the large part of the afternoon answering tons of questions that Andy had about their family tree. It was amazing watching Andy in such awe listening to Grandpa Blume. It was one of those moments that you don’t want to end. The afternoon flew by and we were all disappointed when it came time for us to leave. Andy admitted later that he could have sat there for hours longer just listening and taking it all in. I suspect that Grandpa Blume could have sat for hours longer just talking about it all. His excitement that someone wanted to know the answers was infectious. Kristena took this picture on that day. (No, that isn’t Laura in the picture. That is Avry as Laura wasn’t even a thought in our minds at that point, though I was surprised to see how much Laura looks like Avry did back then.)
I’m so thankful that I have memories of Grandpa Blume like the one from that sunny summer day in 2004. Goodbye Grandpa Blume. We love you and we will miss you.