walter hong, 1927-2012:

Yesterday my Grandfather passed away. I didn't know my other Grandpa because he passed when I was young so this was the only Grandpa I knew. My brothers & I were planning on stopping by to visit yesterday & we got an email saying he was having trouble breathing and that this was probably the end. We got there around 2:30 and stayed with him until he was gone. I've never really experienced anything like that, have you? We were so blessed to have been able to be with him, I know not everyone gets a chance to say goodbye to a loved one. We talked to him, prayed, & sang hymns together. He wasn't alert but I think he knew we were there. He was not in pain at the end, and he lived a full life of 85 years. Actually, 6 years ago he had a stroke and the doctor gave him 6 months to live. But he recovered back and we were blessed with another 6 years. Death is such a strange thing, isn't it? I mean, I know it is natural and just a part of life. I've had a few friends tragically pass away and that was very sad. But it's just weird he's not here anymore. Fortunately my grandpa was a believer of Jesus so for us, death is not permanent. Death is not a curse or something to be sad about. I am sad I won't see him anymore but have such hope that we will see him again. I bet he's feasting on all the sugar he wants right now ;) (he had diabetes for as long as I can remember, it was so sad he couldn't eat anything with sugar even though he would always try!)

My Grandpa was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1927. He was a lakers fan long before they were the "LA lakers", but actually when they were in Minneapolis (get it - Minnesota lakes!) Supposedly the story goes that he saw the Rose Parade on TV during one very cold Minneapolis winter and thought "how can it be such nice weather at this time of year?" which lead him to pack up his family & move to Los Angeles. I am grateful for that otherwise my brothers & I may not even be around if he stayed in MN. He had a younger brother who got into acting so I've had a random but cool fact growing up that my great uncle is an actor. He was in the military and became a civil engineer. He was a messy eater (I think I got that from him) and really disorganized (also passed that down, thanks gramps ;) but he was a hard worker and a fighter. Even at 80 years old, he wanted me to teach him how use email. He loved food, family history, and telling us stories. I'll miss our weekly visits with him and the big smile on his face when he saw us. But I know I'll see that smile again, over pies and cakes and ice cream in the presence of the One who loves us & extends amazing grace. I was going to get back to blogging this week but I hope you don't mind if I take another couple days. Thanks for letting me share a little about my gramps with you, dear friends.