Adolph was my paternal grandfather. He was a quiet and giving man, but always sad. Helena passed away before I was born and he loved her so very much and it tore him to the core. I often took him to doctor's appointments and we would talk. He told me that when they first met, they knew it was love at first sight. I heard this story many times and loved hearing it. He expressed looking forward to seeing her in his last days.
Him, my father and myself would regularly go for coffee with him in his later years and it was a mutual comfortable silence between all three of us.
He was patient and kind and stubborn. He had strong opinions and convictions, but he rarely spoke of them in mixed company.
Adolph had a sense of humor that most people didn't know about but it shines through in a personal autobiography he wrote. He had many more stories of his life that he never talked about, or at least not with me directly.
There was often a twinkle in his eye that made you always wonder what he was laughing at to himself. I think he found great amusement in me as a child.
He had many jobs over his years and his woodworking really shone, at least to us grandkids, he made us all a chest when we were young and they are all in great condition, proving his proficiency.
I was present the night he passed away, it was late evening and it was a cold night. There was snow on the ground and frost sparkling on the trees. He was surrounded by loved ones and slipped away quietly and peacefully.
My Grosspapa is one of the dearest people I have had the privilege of knowing and loving. He always had open arms and love for me and I miss him all the time. When I think of the kindest, gentlest people, I think of him.
