A Good Man

We knew that my Grandpa Shoaf's life was soon going to be ending here on earth. Well today was the day. He has gone back to that God who gave him life. 

Sunday morning I woke up with something I just needed to write down... that happens on occasion. I. Need. To. Write. Somehow it's the only way my soul knows how to express itself in that moment. I doesn't happen too often... usually the opposite... words seem insufficient. But I decided to do something about this need and put the words running through my mind down on paper (or screen).

Here is my tribute to Grandpa Shoaf I wrote yesterday morning.

Reflections of an Older Grandchild

By Lachelle Barnes

Grandpa wasn't a perfect man, but he was a good one.

Like each one of us, his life had times of goodness and light and times of darkness and despair.

For me, the times of growing up on Grandpa and Grandma’s farm were happiness and light.

Grandpa could seem gruff and intimidating at times –

            Especially if we were caught messing with the animals or something we shouldn't have. We’d hear a “Get” and all scatter.

But in his own Grandpa Shoaf way, he was also a great teacher.

He taught me the miracle and wonder of life –

            Through the incubation and hatching of baby chicks each year. And the amazing reality of imprinting with a gosling that followed me around all summer long.

He taught me history –

            While walking fields in search of arrowheads and explaining all about his finds.

He taught me to be brave –

            As I gathered the eggs. It was coolest and scariest job ever. We were always so excited when Grandpa hadn't gathered the eggs yet, but I was also secretly afraid of chickens flying in my faces or pecking me to death!

He taught the grandchildren the art of watermelon –

            Salt was a must, though I never did learn to embrace that one. But there was no better way to spend a summer evening than at Grandpa and Grandma’s with cousins, popcorn, and watermelon.

He taught me about love and family –

            By telling one of my favorite love stories (even to this day). The story of how Grandpa fell for Grandma, and how he still had one of the prettiest girls around. Even after 59 years together, it was still important to him because he gathered us together to celebrate as a family. And even though he wasn't a man of many words, especially about love, I know he loved me and our family by the beautiful things he created with his hands… cradles (real and toy), places to live remolded and made nice, shadow boxes of arrowheads, rolling pins and cutting boards, and so many more. He showed us he loved us by showing up to the things we invited him to all cleaned up from the work of the farm, hosting numerous elementary school field trips, and making sure Grandma always had us fed well.

He taught me to be a better person and that I could change –

            I have heard stories. I know the Grandpa I grew up with wasn't always the way he was. But he conquered his challenges and changed in many ways, and because of that I knew and still know that I can overcome my struggles and become a better person… no matter what. I always knew if Grandpa could help, he would - whether you were a person or even a small fawn caught in a fence. He was supportive of Grandma in her church endeavors, even though he wasn't a member himself.

            Grandpa Shoaf may have been an imperfect man, but he was good one. A good man I hope to be like. A good man I love. A good man whom I and many others will always miss, but a good man I will see again one day.

This was taken in August when we went out to visit.