I'll See You Later

Saying Goodbye to Family is never an easy thing to do. Life just has not been the same since saying goodbye to the pillars of our family. I'm reminded of the memories, the stories, the adventures we took together.

The cross-country trips, the card games, late-night movie nights watching old westerns, man those were the times when there wasn't a worry in sight.... I woke up to Grandma making cream of wheat just the way Dylen and I liked it with toast. Things were just simpler then...

It's been over a year since saying farewell to Grandma and over two since saying see you again to my Grandpa. My grandma and Grandpa were and still are my rocks. I looked up to them so much over the years growing up, they showed me what true love was and is. They showed me you can be different but still be "best friends" first. 

The stories are endless, and maybe one day I'll get them all down on paper or here but for now, they remain in my heart, in my mind what's left of it that is... I miss them every day!

Grandpa continues to fly with me anytime I get the chance to fly, I saw an American West plane in Phoneix a few months back and I couldn't help but tear up because there are so many memories that I hold near and dear to my heart!

I was able to do something special, I don't know how special it was to my grandma but I do believe it meant a lot to her. My wife Rosetta and I were able to go to Spain and visit the sites a bit. One of the things we were able to do was Facetime my grandma while we walked through the different sites and allow her to be there with us even if it wasn't physically. I could see the tears in her eyes, the joy and relief, she was able to go back one last time before going to see Jes

They always accepted me for me. They always were so welcoming to anyone I introduced them to but my Grandpa would always pull me to the side and whisper in my ear... But do you see this person as your ultimate best friend?... It always made me think. Still to this day quotes from my grandma "The best is yet to come", "good things happen when it rains" and "always, always be best friends first" stick with me in all that I do.

So it's not goodbye, it's see you later cause I truly believe that I will see my grandparents again when the time comes.

Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for the stories, the lessons, the inspiration, the guidance, the mentorship, the love, care, and consideration you always showed me through my years. Even when I was making a decision you didn't agree with, you chose to love me, you chose to share your concerns and be transparent with me but you never turned your back on me and that means the world to me still to this day.

I love you, Aloha