February 15, 2011

Dearest McKenna and Max,

On February 15, 2011 we lost your Grandpa McGargill. What a difficult week it has been. I am so very saddened by the fact that your time with your Grandpa was cut short. I want to make sure that you know what kind of man he was. It is my hope that you will both carry the most respectable qualities of him.

Grandpa was a kind man. He grew up with struggle but made the most of what he had. He talked often of the days in Shenandoah, Iowa when he would ride his bike to the town pool and spend the day splashing around and jumping off the diving boards. He was most fond of those memories because life was worry-free for him at that time. His father died young and he cared for his sister and his mother as though he was the patriarch of the family. He was a member of the United States Army and just when his unit was activated to go to Vietnam, his father had a stroke. He was granted honorable discharge for hardship and was sent home to care for his family during this difficult time.

He met and married Grandma and they birthed myself and Dana. He had such wonderful memories of he and Grandma making their home in Kansas City and then back in Omaha. Often he talked about the absolute joy of becoming a father to his two baby girls. Grandpa was a hard worker. He worked his way up the ladder at Union Pacific based solely on his commendable work ethic and drive to succeed. A morning person always, he was off to work by 5:30 am and returned home by 5:30 pm. He took his role of provider to the family so very seriously. No financial decision was made lightly as he always thought of his family and our well being.

Grandpa had a gruff exterior. He liked things the way he liked them. The television remote belonged to him and his expectations for me and Dana were very high. But when it came down to it, all he wanted was our happiness and success. As Dana and I grew older, I grew to respect him so very much for his desire to make a better life for his children. We were blessed to have our college education paid for so that we could not only earn college degrees but also indulge in the college experience. I remember Grandpa's smile as I would share stories from my college days. I knew he was not only proud of me for my accomplishments but also proud of himself for affording me the experience.

I will never forget the day that I got engaged to your Daddy. I called home and Grandpa answered and I shared the news. He said, "I know Mimi and I'm so happy for you." Your Daddy had enough respect for the relationship I had with my Dad to ask his permission for my hand in marriage. After an intense conversation Grandpa gave his blessing for our future. From that point on , Grandpa had the utmost respect for your Daddy.

When we moved back from California with precious McKenna, Grandpa was so proud he could have burst. I know he felt added responsibility to help me care for you baby girl, because your Daddy was fighting in a war. He just soaked up every minute he had with you. I would occasionally talk with family and friends who would report back that Grandpa raved about how enamored he was with his perfect grandaughter.

Grandpa had four great years of enjoying his grandchildren. With the birth of Max came a new excitement surrounding the first boy in the family. Grandpa got to be a part of my pregnancy and even was present at the ultrasound when we found out little Max was going to be a boy. During that time he was already struggling with his illness. He was so overjoyed to welcome a baby boy to our family. And when Max Christopher was born I saw a smile on Grandpa's face that I had never seen before. There was an immediate connection between the two of them.

Grandpa's health quickly deteriorated which was hard to watch. I remember bringing you kids over to see him one night and Grandma told me that was the first time she had seen Grandpa smile in two weeks. He loved you so dearly. McKenna, Grandpa was so worried whether or not you understood what was happening. I explained to you that Grandpa was going to be your angel. He will forever be in your heart.

Grandpa was a special person with an amazing heart. Grandma described him as "quietly having friends" which I think is perfect. He was never someone who looked for the approval of others, but rather he helped and supported people purely because he cared. Grandpa was 100% invested in any relationship he was a part of.

My sweet babies, I am so sorry you had to lose your Grandpa so prematurely. I wish with all my heart that you would have had more time with him. My only consolation is that you are both a part of him. The person he was will live on in you. One day we will all be reunited with him. Until then, we will continue to be thankful for every day we had with our Grandpa, Dad, mentor and protector.

Love to you,
Mom

The Gift of Giving.....

Hi All!
Well one month later we are finally wrapping up the holiday season! Yet another year of snow ruining our plans to make it to North Platte. Thankfully, Grandma and Grandpa Miller were able to visit us in Omaha last weekend so McKenna and Max could be showered in gifts! They are so very generous!! We had a wonderful holiday season this year. Lots of family and friends and many things to celebrate.

We took part in an American Red Cross blood drive just after Christmas in the interest of blood donation in my Dad's name. What a success. What an amazing experience. I was there all day long watching people stream into the school prepared to donate their blood for really nothing in return. Not only that, but we had so many donors that we were far behind schedule. People were waiting for over an hour to donate. I left Millard North that night on a natural high. It amazes me how thoughtful and giving people can be. I spoke with several people who were there to donate in my Dad's name and also many that were there because that is just what they do. I am inspired by them and intend on being a regular donor from here out.

I would like to thank all of you that participated. Whether you helped out behind the scenes, donated at the drive, or donated in your own home town. We had such an amazing holiday season but looking back it is the generosity of the community that sticks out over the material things we received. Giving blood is a gift that means more than you know. If it allows one more hug, one more conversation or one more day....the recipient and his/her family will be forever grateful. Our family wishes yours the best. Here is to a new year!!

Megan