I believe my first question when I interviewed my grandpa for a sixth grade project about World War II veterans was, "how do I spell your name?" It seems funny to think about now, but apparently after twelve years I still hadn't figured out whether Elwood was spelled with one or two l's. I learned a lot about my grandpa during the interview.
I remember taking it very seriously. Grandpa had actually agreed to visit me at school, and we conducted the interview in the principal's office (a familiar place for him after 30 years in the St. Paul School District). Grandpa showed up in a suit and proceeded to share his experiences as a medic in the war. I had more than enough material to write my paper. Our class ended up putting together a little book with the compilation of all our interviews. I shared the book with my mom and aunt after it was finished. I was surprised to learn that Grandpa really hadn't shared many of those stories, and my mom and aunt learned many new things about their dad through that project.
Grandpa actually went on to write a compilation of memories he had from growing up and he gave them to the family several years ago. He shared stories from his childhood, through the army and during his years as a husband, father and educator. I feel certain these stories will continue to be read and shared for generations to come. They were certainly appreciated by the many visitors at his funeral today.
This past week has been one of reflection. We have shared many memories, and shed tears of joy and sorrow. As a family, we have reflected often on the remarkable man I came to know as my grandpa. This week I have had the distinct privilege to meet many different people whose lives have also been touched by Elwood Lundeen. While many incredible things were said about him, I think one of the most common threads was that we all knew the same man. He gave himself equally to everyone he met.
The hospice aid that cared for him last week remarked about the Thursday she had with him before he died. It was apparently a very good day for Grandpa. He was clear of mind and full of energy. She said that if there were any family secrets to be told she had heard them. He had apparently shared countless of stories with her. Grandpa used these stories to connect with everyone he met. While he had a special spot in his heart for his family, I think that anyone who knew him felt in some way that they were themselves family.
Grandpa had an uncanny ability of bringing out the best in people. I marveled this week when I thought about the differences in each of us grandchildren. He had five. Near as I can tell he bragged about us relentlessly. We are all incredibly different, and each had unique relationships with Grandpa. While he held high expectations of us, I don't believe that any of us ever felt that we were letting him down and he always fully supported our individual endeavors. Never once did I feel like he wanted me to be more or less of what I was. My cousin commented on it yesterday as well. She remarked on Grandpa's acceptance of us, and his understanding of our unique gifts.
In the service today, the pastor reminded us that in death we often have a tendency to make people into superhero's, and my humble grandfather would be the first to admit that he was only human. Indeed, many wonderful stories of grandpa's human-ness were shared today. However, I think through the eyes of a granddaughter, my grandfather has always been a superhero of mine and today I couldn't be more thankful for the 27+ years that I spent as one of his granddaughters. Somebody told me today that grandpa used to tell them that I was a keeper. Well, grandpa you're a keeper, too!
I remember taking it very seriously. Grandpa had actually agreed to visit me at school, and we conducted the interview in the principal's office (a familiar place for him after 30 years in the St. Paul School District). Grandpa showed up in a suit and proceeded to share his experiences as a medic in the war. I had more than enough material to write my paper. Our class ended up putting together a little book with the compilation of all our interviews. I shared the book with my mom and aunt after it was finished. I was surprised to learn that Grandpa really hadn't shared many of those stories, and my mom and aunt learned many new things about their dad through that project.
Grandpa actually went on to write a compilation of memories he had from growing up and he gave them to the family several years ago. He shared stories from his childhood, through the army and during his years as a husband, father and educator. I feel certain these stories will continue to be read and shared for generations to come. They were certainly appreciated by the many visitors at his funeral today.
This past week has been one of reflection. We have shared many memories, and shed tears of joy and sorrow. As a family, we have reflected often on the remarkable man I came to know as my grandpa. This week I have had the distinct privilege to meet many different people whose lives have also been touched by Elwood Lundeen. While many incredible things were said about him, I think one of the most common threads was that we all knew the same man. He gave himself equally to everyone he met.
The hospice aid that cared for him last week remarked about the Thursday she had with him before he died. It was apparently a very good day for Grandpa. He was clear of mind and full of energy. She said that if there were any family secrets to be told she had heard them. He had apparently shared countless of stories with her. Grandpa used these stories to connect with everyone he met. While he had a special spot in his heart for his family, I think that anyone who knew him felt in some way that they were themselves family.
Grandpa had an uncanny ability of bringing out the best in people. I marveled this week when I thought about the differences in each of us grandchildren. He had five. Near as I can tell he bragged about us relentlessly. We are all incredibly different, and each had unique relationships with Grandpa. While he held high expectations of us, I don't believe that any of us ever felt that we were letting him down and he always fully supported our individual endeavors. Never once did I feel like he wanted me to be more or less of what I was. My cousin commented on it yesterday as well. She remarked on Grandpa's acceptance of us, and his understanding of our unique gifts.
In the service today, the pastor reminded us that in death we often have a tendency to make people into superhero's, and my humble grandfather would be the first to admit that he was only human. Indeed, many wonderful stories of grandpa's human-ness were shared today. However, I think through the eyes of a granddaughter, my grandfather has always been a superhero of mine and today I couldn't be more thankful for the 27+ years that I spent as one of his granddaughters. Somebody told me today that grandpa used to tell them that I was a keeper. Well, grandpa you're a keeper, too!
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