Grandpa, Grandma and I - Circa 2006
It was a tough week for all of us who knew, loved, and cherished our beloved Grandfather, Ross Shirley. He truly was one of my heroes, and I'll always remember the experiences I had with him. Back in December, I wrote him the following letter, hoping I could somehow relay to him all the thoughts that were in my heart at the time. Fortunately, he recovered and I was able to see him a few more times before he passed. Words could not express all that he's done for me in my life, but I hope this letter will help you to know about some of the things I was fortunate enough to tell him before he left us. Here is that letter that I had Dad read to Grandpa back in December.
December 2, 2007
Hi Grandpa!
How’s it going? I hope you’re feeling o.k., but I can’t imagine what it must be like for you right now. I’m sure you’ve definitely felt better. It was great to talk to you tonight, I wish I could be there to help you out during this time of your life. I wish I could express in words everything that I’m feeling right now, but I doubt I will be able to properly express the gratitude I have for all you’ve done for me.
I’m writing this letter to let you know how much you mean to me and how appreciative I am of all you have done to help me in my life. I’ll always remember your example and how selfless you were in your life. Your are the epitome of a selfless person, and I have always admired how it was so easy for you to put others ahead of yourself. My dad has told me countless stories of how you helped put your siblings on missions and how you never seemed to complain about anything. I wish I could properly express how great of an example you have been to each of us grandkids. I don’t know if you’ll fully realize the magnitude of influence you’ve had on our family.
I will always remember the times I was able to come up to your house and spend time with you and Grandma. It was always great to hear all the great stories you told us, and it always seemed like you had a funny story to go with any situation. I liked the time you told me about all the money you made of selling cigarettes when you were serving in the war. It helped me realize how much of an example you must have been, even to the people who didn’t know you very well.
I don’t know if I ever thanked you properly for helping me pay for my second mission to Oklahoma. I remember asking my dad if I would be able to go, knowing that I didn’t have much money to pay for it. He told me not to worry at all, the money would be there, and somehow we would have enough each month. I later learned that you contributed quite a bit to help me stay out there, for this I’m eternally grateful.
At this time of your life there are probably a bunch of emotions going through your head and I can’t imagine how it must feel. You might be feeling some sadness, knowing you might have to leave us, but at the some time, you might also be feeling proud for all the things you’ve accomplished in your life. I hope this is the way you’re feeling, because your life is nothing that you should be ashamed of . You are an incredible person and I hope to one day come close to accomplishing all the things that you have achieved during your life. I love you deeply Grandpa and hope you’re feeling peace during this difficult time. Just know that the Lord is with you at this time and he will not leave you alone, no matter what. I will miss you Grandpa, and will look forward to the day when we will meet again in the Celestial Kingdom, with the rest of our family. I wish I could be there to read this letter to you, but I hope you realize I will always be with you in spirit. Thank you again for all you’ve done for me in my life. I’m eternally grateful for you and hope your health problems will soon be an afterthought as you progress to the next challenge that awaits you. Farewell grandpa, we will meet again, and by that time I’ll have to catch you up on all the football, basketball, and any other sporting event that you may have missed. I love you Grandpa, and so does my wife Ashleigh, and will always love you, until we meet again.
Sincerely,
Jeff and Ashleigh
