Why was it the most important letter that I have ever written? I think because it provided me a chance to share my heart with my grandfather, Raymond Joseph Osborn. The man that I middle-named my son after. This week, my 98 year old, amazing, inspiring grandfather moved out of his home and into a Veteran's Home. My heart has been so full of emotion thinking about this, from the other corner of the country. I have been talking to my mom,my sister,& my husband about it, but I have needed to talk to Ree Ree. And so, this letter became a huge deal to me.
There was a lot of chit-chat in my letter, for no reason other than my inclination for chit-chat. However, there was also a lot of truth, and that was the part that meant so much for me to say. I told him that I have been thinking of him more than usual this week, knowing that he and my grandmother are going through this big life change. I told him that I have always found him to be the most remarkable man-for his character, integrity, intelligence, and aptitude for so many things like puzzles, fishing, and writing. (I feel like I get my love of writing from him.) Then I told him that I find him even more remarkable now, than at any other time in my life. He is so brave. I know that leaving home and moving away from his wife of 70 years must have felt like the scariest thing, but the fact that he did it even though he didn't really want to- that is courage at its finest. I wanted him to know that. He is not a frail old man now because he is living with more assistance. He is selfless, and brave, and continues to take care of his family by going to a place where we can know that he is best taken care of, thereby giving us peace. I told him that I hope it feels like home there soon. Of course, a home of a different sort, but that I hope he makes friends, and that there are nice people on staff that grow to love the sparkle in his eye and his sense of humor. He has always been kind, and he is easy to be kind to. All he has to do is be himself!
Lastly, I told my grandfather that I love him. That we all do. He knows that distance does not diminish love. He was separated from his young bride to go and fight in WWII, and his love for her was in no way lessened. I reminded him that whether he is just separated from them by a few miles, like he is now from my parents and grandmother, or by hundreds like he is from me and my sister, that is true today like it was for him back then. I also wanted him to know he is not forgotten. He is on my mind now, more than ever. He is in my heart, and most importantly in my prayers. I am so grateful for him.
Home is where the heart is, so now, a little piece of me calls the Veteran's Home my home.
"I will be in touch soon. Don’t feel like you have to write back. It just feels good for me to talk to you. I am sending some pictures from the kids. Taryn, Trevor, and Jayme all send their love.
Love, Jen"
