More Thoughts about Grandpa Burns

We're really flying! Originally uploaded by Chris and Jenni. When Chris and I got married, as many of you know, we wasted no time with the babies. I have always wanted to have boys, and Chris has always wanted to have girls, we both got our wishes and both discovered how much we both wanted both genders :) But that's not my point. Tonight I was remembering Grandpa, way back when we were first married. As I remember Chris telling me, Grandpa kind of had a sit down talk with his young Grandson and reminded him that he needed to bear a son because if he didn't, his branch of the Burns name would end with him. Okay, feeling the pressure here Grandpa! I remember Grandma and Grandpa being so excited that we were expecting and that they would have another great-grandchild to call their own. Then we found out we were having a boy. I wasn't there when Grandma and Grandpa found out but I remember hearing that he was very pleased and I can just see him sitting quietly in his chair with a half smile on his face, kind of like the picture of him with the boys. Proud. Happy. A dream fulfilled. His family will go on. And then we had another son and again there was that joy and a sense of pride for his boys! There is something about men and their sons, they definitely have a connection that we will just never understand, and that's okay. I remember feeling so honored to bear a son. Not just for Chris, but for Dad (Robert Burns) and for Ralph. In some way it was as if I was giving them a gift, and I was. What a joy it is to be a daughter and granddaughter to these wonderful men, I'm so glad to be a part of your family and to be the helpmeet to your son and the mother to your grandchildren. This morning after Aidan prayed that Grandpa would not die, we told the boys that Grandpa passed away. He didn't say anything, he just hung his head and looked like he was going to cry. Then I began to tell him how Grandpa is with God now and he can see him and run and jump and even play! Aidan, I think,  remembering how weak Grandpa was, got a slight smile on his face. I'm not exactly sure what he was thinking, but I was thinking, you are going to run the race for him. You will carry on his example of a loving and devoted husband and honor him as a husband and father one day. What a beautiful legacy they have left for us to follow. I know that my boys are proud to be Burns boys, and one day Burns men. Grandpa, they will never forget you, we will make sure of that. Thank you for being you. We love you.