I want to leave a legacy How will they remember me? Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things. I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace. Who blessed Your name unapologetically And leave that kind of legacy
As it's been quickly closing in on a month since Grandpa Schumacher passed away, I've been contemplating his legacy. The days surrounding the funeral and visitation opened my eyes to the legacy that Grandpa left. I always loved and respected him. His love for and pride in Mark and our little family was obvious.
Mark has many wonderful memories of his Grandpa. He learned many things from him. I think though the thing that impacted Mark the most was not the things Grandpa taught him but the way he taught him. Mark learned how to teach people in a way that made them feel valued and capable. Grandpa had incredible patience and kindness. When he showed Mark how to do something or when Mark would make a mistake, he never made him feel incompetent or foolish. I'm sure Grandpa could have done a lot of those things faster and better, but he wanted the boys to learn. Grandpa understood that it was more important that they learn than the job be done quickly or perfectly. Mark has that same quality about him...and for that I'm forever grateful.
Grandpa loved his grandchildren and he showed that same love to many other people. Bob and Charlene's house (Grandpa's brother and sister-in-law) was filled with people who loved him and I got to hear many different stories and memories. I found the time the family and friends spent together there one of the healthiest grieving experiences I've ever had. There was a long line at visitation and a large crowd at the funeral. We helped Grandma put together thank-yous using a spreadsheet, she had almost 200 individual families to thank for their gifts of love.
The other personal tribute to Grandpa was the sign posted up at the Car Wash where he worked. "We'll miss you Jerry." On the day of the funeral, over 100 cars went through that car wash in his honor. The Woodford County Journal did an article about it.
Grandpa wasn't rich, wasn't famous, wasn't a powerful man but the legacy he left is one that any Christain should rejoice at leaving behind. It will be there for many years to come.
I haven't seen my husband cry very many times during our marriage but he definitely shed some tears as we said good-bye to Grandpa (and of I course I promptly joined him, I'm actually crying a bit now as I finish this tribute). We cry not for Grandpa, as he is rejoicing with the angels, but cry for our loss as we remain behind. May his love live in us as a tribute to his legacy.
Here is a link to the song
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