a good and nice man

Today we sent forth my sweet Grandpa Warren with a service full of Gospel music and praising our Lord...just as he would have liked it. He passed away on Saturday, September 3rd at the age of 82. I drove down from Alabama yesterday for a short and bittersweet visit. It's been a hard week being away from family until now and 8 hours away. However, it's been a joy being home even under these circumstances. I was his Sweet Pea and I love him so much.

Grandpa was described today as a "good and nice man" and that, and so much more, he was. He became a Christian in the 1960s and it forever changed his life. His greatest joy was having a relationship with Jesus Christ - and that is what he wanted everyone to know. He began singing when he became a Christian and always said he didn't know he could until then. He had a beautiful bass voice that all of the grandkids love to impersonate. Today we sang in his honor a medley of his favorite gospel songs and hymns - we know he was singing with us in Heaven! We will miss him so much. Holly gave a touching eulogy that walked us down memory lane.

My dear Grandma Jean and all of the family have been so strong. We have cried and laughed at stories being retold of how wonderful Grandpa was - quite the character. It's the memories that we will cherish and his bear-like hugs. Hearing all the true and gracious words today about his character made it such a celebration. As a Veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was laid to rest with Military honor in the Florida National Cemetery this afternoon. The VFW did a brief but honorable service. I am so proud that he is buried there. But my greatest joy is know that he is golfing right now with our Lord!

One of the many stories Grandma told this week was how they had met on a blind date. He took her to the East Carolina Football Game and dance afterward. She would finish by saying "we've been dancing ever since." They were married 57 years and again a true testament to everyone. His love for Grandma was always evident. And she has such a peace about Grandpa Warren leaving his earthly home.

Tonight, we had all the family over for a wonderful dinner prepared by the ladies of their church. Of course no Radcliffe family dinner is ever complete without Dad's cousins Mark and Kenney bringing their guitars and having a jam session. We re-sang the medley from the service and so many more of Grandpa's favorite songs. It was a great way to end this day.

I pray that God will continue to bless and comfort our family. My Daddy is their oldest child and a God fearing man much like his father. I know we will all miss Grandpa's sense of humor and strong faith but we will see him again soon - no longer suffering or sick. And as we sang today as a testament to his life...

He touched me and made me whole.