Goodbye, Grandpa

The world lost a wonderful man today- this man was my grandpa, Buddy Studna.  I liked to call him "Buddala the Studala".  As I sit here crying and trying to wrap my head around the fact that I won't see him again on earth, I know how lucky I am to have been his granddaughter.  He was a man who loved winning at gin rummy, drinking a good glass (or two) of scotch, engaging in a heated political debate, living in the state of Nebraska, and spending time with family- even if he was nodding off on the couch.  He's one of the few people I know who truly smiled with his eyes and found humor in most situations.  My grandpa would have been 90 years old in September and he lived nearly 89 years in great mental health and good physical health.  In many ways, he had what a lot of us would wish for- a full, happy life surrounded by those he loved and loved him in return.  Those he left behind are very sad today yet we know he will be more comfortable where he is now.  While Shorts won't get to meet her great grandpa in person, we will make sure that he lives in on stories and through pictures.  Maybe they'll even cross paths on their journeys to and from heaven.

Grandpa, you will be greatly missed.  Tonight Todd and I will play some gin rummy and drink root beer floats in your honor.  Please know that while we aren't able to travel to your funeral service (Shorts could be coming at any time now), you are very heavily on our minds and in our hearts.  I love you forever and a day, as Grandma Betty used to say, and hope that you're reuniting with family and friends who went before you.