I'm never sure if anyone reads my blogs. If you do, please let me know. This one is special.
I just returned from a funeral in Indiana. My daughter-in-law lost her Dad. Lost sounds as simple as misplacing your coffee cup, but I can think of no other way to say what a big hole this left in so many hearts. Two of my grandgirls lost the last grandparent on their mother's side of the family and the only one they knew. He was such an integral part of their lives. Aside from the fact that he lived with them, he taught the eldest how to drive a tractor. He and his daughter (my daughter-in-law) taught the girls the true meaning of 4H (I had never heard of it until John married Amy.) He never missed a recital or significant event in the girls' lives.
To say he was one of a kind or they broke the mold is an understatement. He took my Jeremy under his wing when Jeremy visited Florida and showed him how to sell from a food truck...Jeremy loved that time with this man.
Gene had a heart as big as the farm he lived on. When my husband died, he called me to see how I was. Not what I expected from this quiet guy.
I traveled to Michigan to attend the funeral with my daughter. A 3-hour drive back and forth in one day. The Schwarb family was also represented by Mark's brother Roger and his wife Angie. Why? That's what we do when hearts are hurting, when you are the only grandparent left for the girls you love so much, and when you feel you can bring some comfort.
So, if you read this, let me know that "you get it".
Franne
