Goodbye to my sweetest friend

Tuesday was the day my hero left us.
Warren Freeman Handley was his name. 

He was an unwavering disciple of Jesus Christ, an endlessly devoted husband, strong and faithful father and grandfather, and a genuine friend.

He was my Superman, and he completely stole my heart. 
He welcomed me at every visit with a huge smile, a quick kiss and and hugged me as if it had been ages. He had a way of making you feel like you were one of his oldest and most cherished friends.

He served the Lord unfailingly first, and then devoted all of his energy to his family. He loved all of us so completely, but not as perfectly as he loved wife, his beloved best friend, and he cherished her entirely.  

And that love consumed us. 

I am overwhelmed by how much I miss him and the sorrow I feel constantly that I will have to walk the rest of my life without him, but I am surprised most by how full my heart is with gratitude. It wasn't by chance that he was sent to be my grandfather and I sent to be his granddaughter and I am indebted to him for every moment, every kiss, and every ounce of himself that he gave to me. He shamelessly, simply, and nobly embraced the call every time to be one of a few good men, and the world lost one of its greatest. 

I know with a complete surety that he is basking in a vast reunion of loved ones and greeted by the numerous others he served so purely in this life. There are so many that he welcomed and embraced in his home as one of his own. 

His legacy will continue on with my children. They will know their great-grandfather by the way they are taught to live their lives and love others. And as they love and serve the Lord, give every loyalty and love to their family without reserve, and be fierce friends, they will come to know the person I have loved and adored so fondly my entire life and just why it is that we will always celebrate his life and mourn his passing. 

I thank the Lord everyday I was blessed to be this great man's granddaughter. 

I love you, Grandpa. Goodbye for now, and I will see you again.