Robert Beer, 1916-2008

Tonight my grandfather Robert Beer died.  There is cause for sadness,  but I rejoice in having lived almost 28 years with my grandfather prominently in my life.  I think about a man who raised five kids and lived to see them to their middle age, who was surrounded by grandchildren now as old as 40 and as young and 17.  I think of the man who took me swimming every summer, who kicked around a soccer ball with me, who came down to Virginia every summer to go on an all-boys baseball trip - myself, my dad, my two brothers, and him to Camden Yards.  I think of the man who lit up when I told him I was a Republican, who couldn't wait to hear about last year's convention in Richmond and all the work I had been doing,  He and my grandmother were both active Republicans in local politics in Monroe County, NY.  I think about the man who just a few months ago I was talking about the World Series (he was pulling for Boston to get in).  

But most importantly, I think of Thanksgiving.  Those who know me know that I went to boarding school when I was 15 when my folks moved overseas.  When I first got there I had terrible homesickness and I had no idea where to go, what to do, or how to get ahold of my parents.  Instead, I called my grandparents.  They sent me some money and and a phone card, and then gave my parents my number so they could call.  For Thanksgivings, I only had a long weekend for vacation so it made no sense to go home when it was a 14 hour ordeal.  So instead every year I flew from T.F. Green Airport in Providence RI to Rochester International Airport.  And there they were, my grandparents, standing there at the terminal waiting for me.  The dinner was always magnificent and they were tremendous hosts.  It was those Thanksgivings, by myself with my extended family but without my parents, that I started to feel like I was growing up and becoming an adult.  Talking with him, he would give me little bits of advice on school.  We would walk to his favorite restaurant in downtown Honeoye Falls and introduce me to all his friends and neighbors.   

So I am sad, but not like I thought I would be.  He was 92 years old and for the most part I've been ready for this for a couple of months.  I'm sad that I won' see him lounging on his giant red recliner my grandmother hated so much, I'm sad that I can't talk to him about politics or baseball.  I'm sad that he won't be around anymore.  

But I am happy that he is with God now.  I am happy that his pain is over, and that he was surrounded by his family.  I am happy that I will have all the playful childhood memories of him playing with me and my brothers, as well as the adult memories of a knowing that my grandfather was proud of me when I got my masters degree or when I made the football team.  He was always a blessing in my life and I will miss him dearly.  I would ask for your prayers for my family, and for him as well.  Though I don't think he'll need it that much, because I know where he is right now.  He's smiling down on his wife of over 60 years, his five children, and his 12 grandchildren.  He lived a long and full life, he traveled the world, and though it was hard at the end he always smiled when he saw me.

Always.

Comments

[Crystal Clear Conservative]

Chris,

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather. You and your family are in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything.

~K

[Ken Cuccinelli]

Chris,

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I'm glad to see the appreciation that you have for your time with your grandfather. You are very blessed compared to most in that regard. Your grandfather and your family are in our prayers.

Ken

I am very sorry about your loss Chris.

[J.R.]

Chris,
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family, but, equal happiness to you for the joy you and your grandfather were able to share.
Jim

[Isophorone]

Chris,

I am sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. May his memory be for a blessing.

[Anonymous Is A Woman]

Chris, my condolences on your loss. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man and what a lovely tribute to him this post was. I found myself smiling and there were tears in my eyes at the same time as I read it.

You were blessed indeed to have such wonderful memories of him. I had such similar feelings when my mother passed away, very sad at the loss but also I felt blessed that she had lived 90 years and I too was comforted by my memories of her.

I will hold you and your family in my prayers.

[David Bulova]

Chris,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My grandfather is now 86 and I cherish every time we get together. It sounds like your grandfather was a wonderful person and it is a true blessing that you have a lot of wonderful memories.

[200 Grande]

You and your family are especially in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this. You are a great honor to him; you part from him (for now) with him knowing this.

[George Templeton]

My goodness, I shall say a prayer for you. I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man to have as a grandfather.

[Anne]

Condolences to you and your family. And eternal memory to your grandfather.

[Rob]

What great memories you have. What a fine example you have to shore up your own life. Your grandfather rests with God.