The Tale of Two C's

Family

My great grandfather Arthur Nelson Collett has been away from this earth for about 44 hours. The man who always showed what it means to be a family man, a man who loves and cares for others, a man who can pull himself up by the bootstrap, live life without his true love for over 5 years. He raised my grandfather, inspired my father, and affected the lives of my entire family (and probably more if I had to guess).

I havnt seen my great grandfather in well over 10 years, I cant remember when he held me in his arms and showed me his entire workshop at his home in Indiana. I cant remember when I got to see him at my grandparents’ beach house years ago. I do remember the strong voice on the other end of the phone when I spoke to him, the kind words he wrote to me in cards for my Birthday, Christmas, etc.

I’ve started thinking, as people sometimes do in times of strife, that family has the potential to be one of the most beautiful things on this earth. I watched 2 little girls cry when my dad told them about our great grandfather’s death, 2 little girls who have done no more than talk to him on the phone, seen pictures or videos, and exchanged letters. Family.

Every interaction we have can carry the weight of a family bond. Not just family by blood, but by friendship, love, marriage, camaraderie, brotherhood, or sisterhood. Each bond you make has the potential weight of family. Know that the love you feel, that unconditional love that family has, can be applied to so many more people…

In short, live life to the fullest. love life to the fullest. you never know when your time is up.

Some words about my Great Grandfather as written by my father:

Thank you Grandpa.

I don’t recall the presents you gave me over the years half so much as the gift of your presence. You were a living icon of all the best of what “Grandfather” can mean. Thanks to you I know how to cheat at Euchre and never to extend my thumb when asking someone to pass the butter at dinner. You inspired my love of tools and working with my hands and planted the seeds of mischief in my sense of humor.

Thank you for showing me how a man can love his family. Thank you for staying around for nearly six years after the love of your life left this world. I cannot imagine how hard that must have been, but we all needed you and I cannot find the words to thank you for remaining part of our lives after the toughest time in yours. Thank you for honoring us with your life and love.

Living half a country apart from you has been difficult, but I always knew you were just a phone call away. Now you are not there anymore, and there is a painful hole in my heart. I will learn to fill it with fond memories of you and honor your memory by trying to be more like the man you showed me how to be.

I will miss and love you always.