Great Grandpa Irvin

Great Grandpa Irvin was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the beginning of January. We planned a trip for the last weekend in January, not thinking there would be any issue. Unfortunately and fortunately (all at the same time), Great Grandpa Irvin declined faster than first predicted and passed away on January 30th. Luckily, we were blessed to be able to visit on January 29th and spend some last precious moments together with him.

Papa and Amelia at Aunt Jan's house

When we got to Aunt Jan's, I went in to say hello to Great Grandpa Irvin. We had a special relationship based mainly on Hand and Foot :) Oh how he loved to play and my most fond memories will be of us playing together. I said my hello and Irvin opened his eyes, looked at me and he gave me a hug! Of course, based on our special relationship I had to give him a bit of a hard time, so I told him I was now convinced that in his weakened state - I would finally be able to beat him! I think he got a kick out of as he started making noises and trying to talk. I know he wasn't offended since his hug came after my ribbing :) I ended up holding his hand and massaging it while Russ held his other hand since he kept reaching toward heaven.

Daddy, Mommy, Amelia and Great Grandpa Irvin

Jenna also came up for the day with Olivia

Amelia provided a great distraction for Great Grandma Betty! They had great fun together with lots of smiles!

Great Grandpa Irvin loved hymns! Jenna and I sang and played hymns for Irvin to help calm his soul.

It also provided a good bonding memory for Jenna and I

Uncle Mike was very fun and entertaining!!! Amelia immensely enjoyed Uncle Mike's entertainment and was full of smiles for him!

Nana loving on Great Grandpa Irvin

Aunt Jan and Amelia! Amelia loves to touch people's faces. I think it is a way for her to relate and explore!

Daddy hugging Great Grandpa Irvin before we left.

Saying some last 'see ya laters' before we left for the day

Uncle Mike, Aunt Jan, Amelia, Mommy and Daddy

It was wonderful to see Aunt Jan and Uncle Mike despite the circumstances.

As mentioned before, Great Grandpa Irvin went to be with Jesus the Sunday night after we left to go back home. He was not in pain, which was a true blessing and he was ready and wanting to go to heaven. His funeral was the following weekend in Manson IA, where he and Great Grandma Betty lived during their younger years. He had a wonderful service honoring his life and one of things he loved which was sing. We will truly miss Great Grandpa Irvin and all that he brought to our lives. A week prior to us visiting Daddy wrote Great Great Grandpa Irvin a message on his Caring Bridge site. I share this so Amelia understands how much her Daddy loved his Grandpa.

Hey Grandpa,
Kathy, Amelia and I have been praying for you. It's hard for us to fathom that our time with you in this place may be coming to an end. However, we know one day we will be playing cards in a better place. Although, Amelia is too young to remember her great grandpa she will be reminded as she gets older the legacy you are leaving and we know that when the time comes we will have another card player you can play with (so keep a spot open at the table for her).
I was looking through my baby book the other night and came across so many pictures where you and grandma were with me during special times in my life (especially my baby dedication). I think that often I took for granted that you were always there because I was spoiled by your presence, but now that we have Amelia I understand how great of a blessing that it is to have grandparents that live so close and are able to attend events and create such great memories. You have touched my family's life and the memories we've created will endure.
Please understand that although we will miss you, we understand your relationship with Christ makes the place you are going to undeniably wonderful and angels are waiting to celebrate your homecoming.

We love you and will continue to pray for your comfort, peace, and journey. I know Jan and Mike are giving you great care. They have gracious and caring hearts which I experienced first hand living with them in high school.

Win a few card games/bingo in heaven so when we get there you can let us win a few.