In Loving Memory of Grandpa Goodman, who passed away today

To Grandpa Goodman

I heard that you left us this morning Grandpa, at about two A.M.  First thing I want to say is I love you, I'll miss you, but I know I will see you once again.  Rest easy now, in your Father's arms.  You've had a long hard battle, and now it's over, and you are truly free! 

You lived and fought so hard because you loved Grandma and your family so much.  You felt you needed to stay around to help and protect.  Go in peace now, knowing you've done well, and things will be taken care of here.  We will never forget you.

When I think of you, I will think of a man of soft words, trains, tractors, farm life, and a husband who loved and cared for his wife sacrificially.  I will think of pecan trees and homemade nutcrackers – and your delight in showing off how they worked.  I will think of the doll cradle you made for me with love – something I have always treasured, and will now treasure even more each time I see a little girl playing with it. 

I will think of a man who so loved the joy of children, he always made sure the tire swing and well – what we can only call Marvin Goodman's version of the merry-go-round – were operational and most of all – fun.  You may not have actively participated in our play, but I know you had joy in the laughter and fun you saw when your grandchildren and great grandchildren had a good time on your farm.

I will forever remember the first time I remember seeing you.  I may have never told you the story, but it was when we moved to North Carolina, back in 1982.  I was only 7, and did not remember your trip to visit us in California.  There were so man people at your farm that day.  I think it was Easter. 

You were standing off to the back of the living room with Grandma.  I stood near the front with Mom.  I reached up and tugged on Mom's dress.  "What?" she asked.

"Who's that big Indian over there?" I whispered.

"What Indian?" Mom asked, confused.

I pointed to you, and Mom laughed.  "He's not an Indian, that's your Grandfather!"

In my childhood mind, your dark tan, from farming in the sun, and your tall height just equaled Indian.  I remember walking later that day with you, Grandma and Mom around the farm.  That was the first of many times you would lovingly show off your farm to me, and its produce.  I will treasure that day, and all the times we had together.

I first knew how much of a protector you were when Hurricane Hugo came through in 1989.  Mom was at work, and you braved the roads to come get me.  Then once you got me safely to the farmhouse, you went after Mellicha.  You thought us two girls silly, staying up all night watching the storm from the basement.  I thought you and Grandma awfully brave, sleeping it through upstairs.  But then again, you built that house and knew it would withstand!

I learned very quickly that you were someone to be treasured, counted on, and loved.  I want to thank you for all the years of memories you've given me.  I promise to pass on your memory to future generations with pride.  I thank you most of all for loving Grandma so much, for caring for her through all she's been through, and trying so hard to stay with her.  

Your loving family is here to take over now.  It's okay.  We'll love you and miss you, and be with Grandma until God says it's her time.  Like I said in the beginning, I know I will see you again.  I know that when I get to heaven, somewhere there will be a farm with pecan trees.  There will be every plant conceivable, growing bigger than imaginable.  You'll be off on your tractor, or maybe you'll even get your own train.  And of course there will be a tire swing and a Marvin Goodman merry-go-round.

I can't help but hear for you now, Randy Travis singing Shall We Gather At the River:

Shall we gather at the river
Where bright angels feet have trod
With it's crystal tides forever
Flowing by the throne of God.

Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.

--- Instrumental ---

When we reach that shining river
We'll lay every burden down
Then grace our spirits will deliver
And will receive our robe and crown.

Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.

--- Instrumental ---

Soon we'll reach that silver river
Soon our pilgrimage will cease
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Yes, we'll gather at that river
The beautiful, the beautiful river
Gather with the saints at that river
That flows by the throne of God.

Oh yes, we'll gather at that river
That flows by the throne of God.
That flows by the throne of God...

Go gather at the river Grandpa.  You've earned that robe and crown.  I love you!

When I was 12, I was old enough to participate in the gift exchange at Christmas.  Grandpa got my name, and this is what he made me.  At the time I thought I was too old for dolls, but knew it would be something to treasure.  My mom made the bedding, and the doll in there now is Pam's Olivia doll.

The top three pictures have the "Marvin Goodman Merry Go Round" - complete with playing grandchildren and great grandchildren.