all the simple things: Missing Special People

Not sure why this happens, but every once in awhile, I have one of those days where I really, really miss special people in my life that have passed away onto the next world. It can be anything from a song played while in my car, to seeing a picture, to simply witnessing a beautiful sunset. The first people that usually pop into mind are my two grandfathers. Both passed away entirely too early for my liking, and I miss them both dearly.

I was lucky enough to have many wonderful years with these two amazing men. When I was younger my parent's would send me off to Atchison, Kansas, to spend time with my grandparents. Both my parent's grew up in Atchison, as well as so did all my grandparents. It's always been very nice to have them all in one town. My parents like to joke that I'm the only kid they knew that would cry when I it was time to leave and go back home with them. It was no offense to them, just that I love all my grandparents very much and I was treated like a celebrity when I came into town. What girl wouldn't enjoy that?

My Grandpa Kautz (Glen) passed away in 1994. This was right around the time of the big flood and I was in 5th grade. He had Leukemia and ultimately passed away due to a heart attack.

My Grandpa Pusch (Leo) passed away in 2003. I was a freshman in college and was at the sorority house for an initiation sleepover the night he died. For years he had been fighting with COPD. He eventually died of lung cancer after it had metastasized from colon cancer, which had supposedly been completely removed.

There are many memories of these two special people that I will always carry with me, and I've learned to cherish life and spend as much time with those you love. We all are in this world for a short time and it's best to take advantage of it.

So, as I have another one of those days, I'd like to take a second to remember Glen and Leo. You both are very loved, very much missed, and forever in my heart.

Glen, Grandpa Kautz (my dad's father)