In loving memory

Lawrence Melvin Ragle 

July 27, 1934 - October 12, 2012



 

 I know he is rejoicing in the arms of his Father in Heaven. Free from all the pain and suffering he endured these last few months. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have, that I will see him again. That I will get to hear his voice, and listen to his stories. As sad and heartbroken as I feel, I know he is happy. He is with the loved ones he lost long ago. And I know he is looking down on my grandmother, his children, and his grandchildren, sending us all the love in the world. You never think about losing the ones you love. I mean, I'll admit, the thought that some day my grandpa would pass away didn't cross my mind, until his time was coming near. It didn't cross my mind as I read his daily emails about his adventures with his brothers when he was a boy. Or his journeys hiking over, through, and under mountains, without food or water. Because the dumb bear got all they had. When I thought of Grandpa, I thought adventure, I thought of dutch-oven ducks. Or the smell that only Grandma and Grandpa's house has. I thought of his wolf tee-shirts. His strawberry blonde hair and long beard. I thought of a leader. Someone strong and smart. If I could choose one person to be stranded in the mountains with, it would be my Grandpa. He knew it all, like the back of his hand...how to start a fire, how to tie every knot in the world. What plants were edible, or poisonous. 

I remember when I was at gram and gramps house, making my dress for my baptism with Grandma, and Grandpa came in confused. He didn't know who we were, or where he was. He was having a stroke. But I remember most, that a few days later he called to tell me that he was sorry that he interrupted my time with Grandma. And that he would make it up to me. I remember him taking me to ice-skating lessons, and getting veggie works burritos from Del Taco after. 

Most recently I remember him telling me how beautiful I am. I remember him always being encouraging about my plans to become a nurse. And how proud that made him. I remember his hugs. And him saying I love you. I remember him trying to get my to eat bacon and cheddar crickets. And that he carried a plastic spoon in his pocket. I remember how sorry he was he missed my wedding because he was sick. But I remember most that I knew he was thinking about me the whole time, and that he was really proud of me.

Baby maddie and gramps!

Grandpa isn't here now, I won't see him on Thanksgiving or Christmas. I won't get to hear his voice. I won't get to hold his hand. But most saddening of all, I won't get to see him become a great-grandpa. After my cousin Noah was born, I started imaging him with my kids, seeing how much love he would have for them. Knowing he would be the best great-grandpa there is! He won't be here for that now. However, I know he is in Heaven with them right now, telling them his favorite stories of me. Telling them how much he loves and adores my Grandma. And reminding them to be obedient, and probably teaching my boys how to start a fire, and tie a slip-knot or square knot. I know that he will be there with them, until they are here with me.

Grandpa, now when I think of you I will remember your smile (one tooth missing and all), and how much you made me laugh. I'll remember how much love I felt these last few years. And how much I grew to really know you. How interested I became in the things you loved and were passionate about. I will remember how you told me, "you know, I love your grandma, so much." I will remember everything you taught me about the Gospel, and how much you loved it. And lived it, every day. Thanks for raising my mother in the Gospel, and teaching me the importance of magnifying your callings, and living the commandments. 

I love you. And miss you. And I will think of you daily. 

see you later, see you soon, love
mad-maddie