Below is a letter I wrote to my Grandpa. Mitch read it at his funeral.
Dear Grandpa,
My favorite memory of you, Grandpa, was when you were holding my newborn baby, smiling down at her, and saying, “From McKinsey to McKinsey.” It’s a memory I will always hold dear to my heart, and I’ll be sure to tell her all about the Grandfather she’s named after.
You sure were special Grandpa—born on Thanksgiving Day and going with the Lord on Christmas Day. You once said, “If you die on Christmas, you go straight to heaven,” but you didn’t need to pass away on Christmas for us to know you’re with the Lord. As many will attest, your life continually displayed the works and faith of someone who loved God, and God’s people, very much.
Perhaps the people you most demonstrated this love to, was your family. You loved your brothers and sisters and talked about them often. I loved hearing stories about your youth including living through the Great Depression and World War II. My favorite story was when you had both Grandma McKinsey and Grandma Lutz sitting in front of the window at your brand new law office in Quarryville to make it look like you had business. I could hear that story a thousand times and still laugh! I know you loved your wife Dorothy, my grandma, with all your heart. I wish I could have known Grandma better, but listening to you talk about her, made me feel like I did know her in my own special way.
One person who I know you loved so very much was my mom. Boy did you love her. And, boy did she love you. Sunday afternoons were special for you, Mom, and Tom. You enjoyed going together to the Mountville Concerts in the summer, eating out at Isaacs and Bob Evans, and just spending time together. You and Mom talked throughout the week, if not daily, and relied on each other for many things. You surely had a special bond as daddy and daughter. I’ll never forget when I was holding your hand just last week and I didn’t think you could hear me say, “When you see Mom tomorrow, tell her that you love her.” And yet, in a muffled, yet audible voice, you whispered, “I love your Mom.” I will never forget that.
You loved your Grandkids too! You loved watching McKinsey and Ben play together on Thanksgiving and couldn’t believe how grown up Nick and Drew were getting. Countless times you would mention how good a job Shelly was doing raising all her “boys (Brian included!).” And you knew Mitch would be a good husband and a good father, and completely trusted him with your only Granddaughter. And Brian. Most Monday nights were spent talking to him on the phone, and you’ll both never forget going to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago. I can see a lot of you in Brian, Grandpa. I know you are so proud of him and the beautiful family he’s created.
As for me, I will remember and smile when I think of vacations to Avalon, train rides to Rhode Island, sharing hotel beds on family vacations, swimming at the Y and later at Woodcrest, sleepovers at Springside Drive, raking gumballs in the backyard, watching the Lawrence Welk show together, and Christmas Eve Parties at your house. You were the only one in my family that would go in the ocean with me the first time I asked! It’s true that we won’t create any new memories together, but the memories we do share, will live on forever in my heart. I only hope that my daughter, McKinsey, will share a bond with her grandparents like I did with you.
Thanks Grandpa for everything you’ve taught us, everything you’ve given us, and every story you’ve shared. You have touched everyone sitting here today, in some way. We rejoice in knowing that you were greeted by trumpets and choirs of angels in heaven on Christmas Day. I love you Grandpa, and I’m going to miss you. Really miss you.
Love,
Allison McKinsey
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
