Grandfather....

Two days ago, I made a post about Veterans' Day. I honored some veterans whom we know and thank publically. We know many more I could have added to that list.

Please know again that we do THANK ALL veterans who have served our country!

Because it was Veterans' Day today, Luke once again wore his flag shirt.



One veteran I didn't mention in my previous post was my grandfather, Lewie Becker. Grandpa fought in World War II, and I think he was proud of his service to our country -- even though I know that, at times, the war was very U.G.L.Y. for him.

My grandfather passed away in June, 2002. The thing about Veterans' Day is that this day was also his birthday. If he were still with us here on earth, he'd be 93 today!

Recently, in the Young Moms' Bible Study that I am a part of on Tuesday mornings, we were discussing prayer and marriage. A question was posed about married couples who set a good example of praying together.

Not too many couples who pray together regularly were mentioned. But, I did mention my grandparents. From the time I can remember, they always prayed together, each night, on their knees....As a child I didn't realize the importance. NOW, I completely know the importance of prayer. I also realize NOW just how much of a good example they set for me.

After that discussion, I remembered this...that I had tucked away in a folder here at home.



It was a brief essay, written by my grandfather, about what prayer has done and meant in his life. We're not really sure when it was written; however, right after he passed away, his wife (my grandfather remarried after my grandmother passed away) found it strategically placed in a rolltop desk. It was with some funeral directions. So, we do know he clearly meant for us to find it.

Though short and "simply" written, it is SO meaningful for me to read now. Here are a few excerpts.

On February 15, 1941, I was drafted into the U.S. Army. I was joined up with the 35th Infantry Division at Little Rock, AR. We went through much training and I thought things were going well....On December 7, Pearl Harbor was bombed -- that put me in a different line of thinking. Now, the United States was at war with Japan and in a few days at war with Germany. In April, 1944, we sailed the Atlantic Ocean to England -- the invasion [D-Day] took place on June 6, 1944 and within a few days, we were on French soil. The going was slow and rough and our mail from home was slow coming through. My wife, Nina, wrote to me everyday. Sometimes, we did not see mail for a week at a time -- then we got a bunch of it at one time.

My father and mother did not have much schooling in their days. I had a sister at home at that time, and she did the writing for them. I remember when we were in Belgium, the going was rough and slow. I was laying in my muddy hole all discouraged. I just thought how I wanted to go home to my wife. About that time our mailman came crawling and handed me a bunch of letters.....

I found one from my dad wrote by himself. It was all in his handwriting. It was very short and here is what he wrote, "How are you -- I am praying for you." Signed -- Dad.

That letter did something to me. "That my dad was praying for me." It gave me great courage. It seemed that everything went better. The war soon ended, and I got home in October, 1945.....

Sometimes, I get down and discouraged. Then this prayer of my dad's comes to me and help me onward again.

So, let's pray for each other, so we can inherit that heavenly home someday.

When my grandfather was still alive, especially in the last couple of years of his life, I spent a fair amount of time talking with him. After my grandmother passed away in January, 2001, I called my grandfather on the phone EACH DAY!

That is one thing I DO NOT regret in my life -- taking the time out of my busy schedule to call him each day. I was traveling quite a bit then (with my job), but I called him no matter where I was or what time zone I was in.

My grandfather was not famous. My grandfather lived a simple life in Central Kansas. He worked hard and honestly. He wasn't a real educated man. But, he was a great husband to my grandmother....a great father to my mom and her brother....and most of all (at least in my world), a wonderful grandfather to myself, my brother, and my two cousins.

But, unbeknownst to him at the time, he has indeed left a legacy for me to follow. He taught me a lot about God, the Bible, and prayer. He listened to me and what was going on in my life.

Grandparents are often known for spoiling their grandkids with things, baby-sitting grandkids when the parents need some time alone, etc. etc. etc.

My grandfather and grandmother didn't spoil us with things. They did take us in whenever we wanted to come over and stay. But, most of all, they taught us about God.

That's what I hope I can teach my children and hopefully someday, my grandchildren :)

So....Happy Birthday and Happy Veterans' Day Grandpa! I miss you a lot, but I will see you heaven someday!!!! Then, we can talk again -- just like we did when you were still here on earth with us.

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1