Celebrating Life

Wednesday morning on my way to work, Mom called to let me know that my 90 year-old grandad had passed away early that morning.  He fought a hard battle with lung disease and just over a week ago had been put on hospice.  We thought we had a little more time with him but are grateful that he died peacefully and without having to suffer much pain.  This weekend Jody and I will head to College Station for his service, which is sure to be a celebration of a very active, bright, honorable and loving man.  Here is a picture of him (left) in 1942, serving in the US Army's invasion of Sicily.

At 88, Grandad was still walking regularly for exercise, despite multiple doctors telling him he could "tone it down."  I like to think I got some of my athletic determination from him.  He also claimed to have the best legs of any person - man or woman - over 60, which unfortunately was not a trait he passed along to anyone.  He had one of the most cheerful, optimistic dispositions of anyone I know, and I hope that above all I can take from him the knowledge that to a large extent, happiness is a state of mind that depends more than anything on your outlook and how you choose to see the world.  We'll miss you, Papa Peck, but you leave a treasure trove of great memories and examples of true character.