A Great Man Nov 14, 1919 - Feb 7, 2006

I think God lets us know things in subtle ways, maybe not for ourselves but for those we love. When my Grandpa was in the hospital I dreamt that he passed away at 9 o'clock. I woke up with a sad, sinking feeling in my heart. The rational world came back and my gulped sweet, cold morning air - it's only 4:oo, if something happend last night someone would have called me. So the days came and went cautiously. My Grandpa was getting a little more tired each day. Sometimes, when you would sit by his side he would wake up knowing who you are so vividly; sometimes his sweet memories would take over and he would just talk them through, not noticing you at all - like he was at Heaven's Gate chatting with old friends. As he got weaker his skin was so soft, he's face was so sweet, he's breath so shallow; like a newborn baby. Monday night, at the hospice, I walked to the snack machine for a little after dinner snack. On the ground I saw a fortune cookie fortune. I pick it up. It reads: you have so much to be thankful for. Next to it is a shiny copper penny, heads up. I believe if you pick it up and sing the "find a penny pick it up, all day you'll have good luck" out loud, you really will. So of course I pick these things up and say a little prayer. I prayed my Grandpa would be at peace, I prayed that he would be happy and healthy, I prayed that my Grandma would be okay, I prayed that God would take good care of this very special man. And he did. I do have so much to be thankful for. My Grandpa waited until my Grandma came in Tuesday morning and took his sweet hand in her soft grip, and then he left this world - in peace, with everyone he loves around him. My sister called me from Grandpa's room. I was driving Will to school. It was exactly 9:00. Isn't that amazing. So if you don't mind, I'm sharing this with you...

This is my Grandpa's obiturary my Grandmother wrote for the newspaper. I just wish we could write a whole book for everyone to read. He was an awesome man; so patient with his girls and more like a father to his sons in law. He is in a better place, but it's hard not to be selfish and wish he could be here with us. His body was tired and he wanted to go home. So Grandpa if you get a little blog time, I hope to kiss your check one day, just not too soon. I like it here. I'll pray to you everyday. I hope in Heaven the waves aren't too choppy and save some of the fish for me.

HF, our dear husband and father has gone on to another world, where he, with clear eyes can see the fish jumping and hear with good ears the birds singing. He was born November 14, 1919, near Waelder, Texas, where he attended school and spent his boyhood years. After graduating from school, he came to San Antonio. He worked at the Fort Sam Houston PX until being drafted for World War II. When the war ended he returned to San Antonio, worked briefly in the hardware business, and then opened his cabinet shop on Basse Road where for 40-plus years he with his friend Bob, made many beautiful objects with wood. He is survived by his wife Betty with minus 21 days being 60 years; his five daughters, Judy, Beth, Mary, Melissa, and Jennifer; five grandsons; six granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren. He was a good man who loved his family, his home and his God.