Sorry I haven't been around lately. My grandfather died Christmas day, and I caught a plane that night from Sao Paulo and arrived in Memphis yesterday morning. It was a blessing to be able to travel at the drop of a hat. I'll stay with my parents for two weeks, returning Jan. 8.

My grandfather would have been 100 years old Jan. 27. Had been married to my grandmother for 76 years. She passed away three years ago. He was a good man who taught me much. Though I was not able to be present with him much over the last 17 years, I have carried his presence with me at every turn.

Blessings to all,

Randal

-- Randal in Ark. (randal@onebox.com), December 27, 2001

Answers

So sorry for your families' loss Randal. I had wondered where you were lately. I hope you are able to enjoy your time with your parents, even through the sad circumstances.

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 27, 2001.

I would like to offer my condolences. I always missed having Grandfathers growing up. My wife had both Grandfathers and 1 Greatgrandfather when we married. I always envied that.

-- Thomas Calloway (Calfarm@msn.com), December 27, 2001.

I am sorry to hear of your Grandfather's passing, Randal. It sounds as if he has had a great influence in your life-something to cherish.

-- Kelly (Ksaderholm@yahoo.com), December 28, 2001.

Nearly a century on this earth . . . what changes that man must have seen in his time. Your grandfather presence is gone, Randal, but as long as you keep him in your memory and heart, he is still here as your guide. My condolensces to you and your family.

Keep his memory alive . . . My paternal grandfather passed away 20 years ago, and his teachings still guide my life today. Just his good old common sense keeps my present perspective positive.

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), December 28, 2001.

I'm so sorry for your loss Randal, my condolances to you and your family.

Take care,

-- Judy L. (quiltjude@iwon.com), December 28, 2001.

I am truely sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers-

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), December 28, 2001.

I thank all of your for your kind expressions of condolences. The funeral was today, and I preached the fineral sermon. It was a bittersweet moment, sad but thankful for his life. And it was good to see many people I'd not seen in many years.

Again, my thanks.

-- Randal in Ark. (randal@onebox.com), December 28, 2001.