Last week, my grandfather passed away. Grandpa went to Heaven on March 2, exactly a
month to the day after Grandma, who went to be with Jesus February 2.
It’s been a long and hard road for the both of them, and
especially those who walked close with them in their final days. Thanks to all
of the Rush family who has been there every step of the way during this time. I
can’t help but feel a bit guilty not being at home in California to support my family, especially
my dad.
My grandparents were some of the most loving and generous
people I ever knew. They have been nothing but supportive to each of their
children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They loved to travel. They have been around
the world and to countless countries. 
Some of my favourite memories are the
cruises that we took with them. I can remember just how fun it was to be so
“grown up” hanging out with my older cousins who chartered me around as if I
was the most important person to them. I can still remember seeing my
Grandparents walking hand and hand on the decks of the cruise ships.
In my 24 years, I have only missed a handful of Christmas’s
at the “Pa’s”. Christmas was such a tradition in our family that we would very
rarely miss. And to anyone who argues that Christmas Eve isn’t really
Christmas, they are sincerely mistaken. Christmas Eve at the Grandparents house
IS Christmas. We always had a nice big Christmas dinner, complete with carols,
and opening packages. The tree never changed in all my years, and I’m sure it
was the same tree even before I was born. Many of us would sleep over and
awaken to our “Santa gifts,” which were normally a very random array of things,
but nonetheless, this was tradition. My family would generally stay until just
after Christmas brunch, and then head home.
Grandma and Grandpa came to Africa
in 1983(?) I believe. They traveled through Kenya
as well as South Africa
and possibly other countries. This would have been two years before I was born,
and they could still remember every detail. This is no surprise, though. Anyone
who knew them would tell you that they would never forget anyone they met or a
place they had been. I remember speaking about Africa with them, and it was one
of the last conversations face to face with G&G just before I left to come
back to South Africa.
I know I’m leaving out so much. They lived such full lives;
there would be no way to capture all of the memories and how much they meant to
me. Grandma went quite suddenly, but Grandpa was a fighter and, as my dad
mentioned, kept a smile on his face until the very end. They both would have
turned 90 this year. Incredible. They were soul mates on earth, and they are
together again to worship the King forever.
As i was reading your blog i could see that your grand parents were really supportive and caring.They have planted caring and love and now they will be receiving it from the father in heaven.since i head this sad news, i was just thinking of you and your family and i have been praying for the lord comfort to fall upon your family .
as i was praying for your family the scripture matthew 5:4 i came in heart ,i just few that the lord is in control comforting you and your family.
Best regard &God bless
Piet bakers
Leah,
I hardly know what to say. You captured the spirit of Mom and Dad, their love and generosity.
This paints such a loving and accurate picture of my parents; I couldn’t help but shed a tear while reading it. They always told me how proud they were of you for following your dream and going to Africa and how they still worried about you, but loved to read about your life from your blog.
Words alone are hardly enough to express my love for them
Dad
I was so very sorry to learn of your grandparents passing. What special people they must have been….and now they have their final eternal reward in heaven. My deepest sympathy, love, and prayers go out to you and your parents/family. God loves you and so do I.
Love reading your blogs.
Joann P.
Leah,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandparent’s passing away. I love the memories that you have shared with everyone in your blog! They sound like they were excellent and loving people! I’m praying for you and your family! Love you, dearest!
Love,
Becca and Madelyn
Leah,
What a beautiful tribute you gave your grandparents. I know that it must have been hard for you to be away while both of them made their journey heaven.
They sounded like wonderful people. Just like their son, daughter-in-law and grandkids. You all did receive their D.N.A.
May God be close to you in the days ahead. May His comforting presence fill you soul to overflowing…. Pastor Rick
Dearest Leah,
Your blog about your grandparents is beautiful! They truly
were exceptionally warm and caring people. Bobby and I enjoyed the times we were in their home. They had a way of making us feel special! I know that you & your family miss them; my heart goes out to each of you! I love you.
Grandma Sparks
Leah, I’m only now getting to read your wonderful piece on G&G and feeling so much love for your sweetness in describing the essence of their lives. Even though I came into their lives decades before you did, I can attest that those traditions and traits of Dick and Marylnn have not changed. As a teenager, I was pretty much astounded to be so immediately accepted, and recognized what “family” could be long before I married Bill. As a family, we are blessed beyond measure to know, love, respect and support each other in all our diversity and dreams. Plus we have so much FUN! Thank you so much for being you! Abundant Blessings, Auntie Joy