Dr. Dale L Smith aka "Grandad"

May 9, 1923-January 14, 2013

 

My grandad went home to be with the Lord early this morning.  We are so sad because we will deeply miss him however we rejoice knowing he is with Jesus! If anyone knew my grandad you would know he was a man who loved God and loved others and lived his life well.  He was the type of man who always made you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was talking to you--made you feel always so special.  In fact grandads very last words to me were--" I love you and you are so special."

I was able to spend lots of time with my grandad these past few weeks.  The last picture shown is just 2 days before Christmas when he was at our house to celebrate!  Doesn't he look great!?!?!??!?!  This past Saturday night he took a turn for the worse and I went to visit.  Much of my family had been and was there as well..  Grandad was unable to speak though he could hear us and could moan or do something such as that to indicate he heard.  It was a really hard time but one that will be deeply imprinted in my mind forever.  I got to see the love my Grammy had for him over their 65 years of marriage as she thanked God for the blessing of children and grandchildren who love and are walking with the Lord as she laid her head on his hospital bed.  I got to hear my aunt tell my grandad to give Neal (her late husband, my grandad's son who passed away at the age of 54 merely 4 months ago!) a kiss from her.  And I got to be there as my grandad reached his arms to my sister and I for one last  hug.  It was precious time!  My grandad was ready to go home--he knew where he was going!!!!!

So when I got the news this am Corey reminded me that Grandad is not dead--and that reminded me of the quote from DL Moody. 

"Someday you will read in the papers that Moody is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now."

As I tucked Micah in to bed tonight I asked him who he wanted to pray for and he said Grandad.  I didn't get through the prayer with dry eyes but we thanked Jesus that Grandad was there with Him!
We sure will miss grandad but I am so thankful for his life and so blessed to have such a wonderful legacy!!!!  And I am so thankful that at this moment my grandad is more alive then he has ever been!