Good-bye Grandpa

We have continued to paint the map, but had a little set back. When we came back to school on monday this week we saw that someone had clawed three gashes in Australia and wrote "Gokje Rules" all over the map. needless to say we were a little pissed.

today, I got a call from mom and dad. Grandpa passed away last week, they didnt tell me then because they were understandably a little preoccupied with everything that was going on. He went from what I hear very peacefully. My Auntie Gale and Uncle Jimmy were talking to him one night and he had some trouble breathing. They stepped out to give him a second to catch his breath and when they came back in he was gone. I hope that in that moment as he left, where his life in images, decorations, and scenes flashed before his eyes that he saw me smiling at him or me playing frisbee with Benj out on his lawn as the sunset over the mountains at his house in Republic, Michigan or even me standing next to the Michigan pillar of the WWII memorial in DC.

At the funeral a lot of people other than just the immediate family showed up. a testament to the gigantic heart of humility, love, friendship, and kindness that was held in Grandpa's 5'2" frame. Benjy sang the Celtic farewell and I can hear his voice echoing amidst the rafters and wish that I could have been there to sing along with him.

After I got the news, I went outside of Peace and started to write. Ten minutes later Mehri, the Peace Corps Program Director, came out and told me that in Turkmenistan they have a saying for one who has lost a loved one, "Let the snow fall on your heart." A beautiful and prerfectly correct image for Grandpa. I only hope that he is looking down now with pride.

As for me, this Sunday I will be flying out for a site visit of where I am going to be for the next two years. I am not sure where yet, but will let you know as soon as possible.