Friday, March 14, 2008

grandpa verwys


christmas 2007

grandpa and malachi

the day of my last post was a sad day, it was the day that ryan's grandpa died. grandpa verwys was a man with a strong presence. when he walked into a room, you usually heard his voice errupting with greetings, stories, or advice. he was also a man of prayer and deep love for jesus. we were told countless times that he and grandma were praying for us daily. he also loved to sing and shared this talent with many. he was a man who lived with integrity, gave generously, was a great friend and an amazing grandpa. abram is named after his great grandpa, abram was grandpa's middle name. we hope and pray that abram's life is a testimony to the promise that we know that "the Lord your God is God. He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep his commands. " this verse was one of grandpa's treasured and is reflected in our family already. we are thankful that grandpa's love for Jesus was passed to ryan's dad and then to ryan and now to our boys. ryan was able to say goodbye to grandpa over the phone the day he died, yet we are thankful it is a goodbye with the hope of eternity. we were able to be in mi with family for the funeral and visitation. what a celebration of a life well lived. so our sorrow is filled with peace and we are thankful for grandpa, who he was and how he taught us to live.

1 comment:

Nadelhoffer said...

Grandpa Verwys certainly was a man of "great presence" like you said! :) What a great man. He was an awesome friend to my grandparents and I know they are all singing in the Heavenly choir together.