Jack Ryan (June 5, 1918 - September 11, 2007)

Philippeans 1:21 - For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Tonight I celebrate the life of my grandfather, Jack Ryan, who passed away early this afternoon at the age of 89. While Grandpa Jack will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, I rejoice that he is now with Jesus. Grandpa Jack is now experiencing the truth of Philippeans 1:21, that for those of us who know and love Christ, death truly is gain.

Grandpa Jack had been in deteriorating health lately, and had most recently been admitted to the hospital last week with difficulty breathing. He was alert when he left this earth, actually he was in the middle of a sentence. The nurse who was attending him at the time told my parents that he looked at her and his last words were, "I feel..." He then closed his eyes and was gone.

I have been thinking a lot tonight about Grandpa Jack, and I can't help but think about how he might of completed that sentence. Grandpa Jack had been in a lot of pain recently. He is now in a place were he will never again feel pain. I imagine that he may have said "I feel....awesome!" Maybe he said "I feel.....brand new!" He could have said "I feel.....well, whole, clean!" Maybe he didn't finish that sentence. Maybe he was so overwhelmed as he entered the presence of Jesus that he couldn't utter a word. I don't know for sure, but one day I'll ask him. Until then, I will celebrate him.

Grandpa was a special man. He had a sharp mind, an incredible sense of humor, and he loved deeply and unashamedly. His passions were his wife Kay (my grandma), his family, and his Cincinnati Reds. He could spin a great story, and recounted events in great detail that happened nearly a century ago. Grandpa lived through so much history and experienced so many things. He was a warrior, who had overcome many hardships and obstacles yet continued to greet life with a smile and a laugh. I could sit with him for hours listening to his stories, his jokes, and his thoughts on baseball.

I talked to Grandpa four days ago. I had a feeling it might be the last time. I told him I loved him, and how special he was to me. I could hear his smile through the phone as he said the same thing he has always told me, "I love you boy. I am so proud of you." Thank you Grandpa Jack. Thank you for your love, and for always letting me know how you felt. Thank you for being such a special part of my life. I will miss you so much, but I am so glad that you are with Jesus. I can't wait to see you there.