My grandfather died this weekend. Jerome Cunningham has been a part of my life for 20 years and I will miss him. He was my biggest "fan" and encouraged me in my writing attempts even long after I'd given up hope of publication. Every time I saw him, he'd ask what I was writing these days. He was quite the prolific writer himself and I hear his kids found notebooks full of his poetry that they never even knew were there. 

He also loved music and joined my grandmother in supporting all of us in our musical endeavors. But he has been deaf as a post for as long as I can remember. I don't mean normal-old-person-hard-of-hearing. I mean, Deaf. I am sure the first thing he did in heaven was sit and marvel for a moment-- glorying in the cacophony of praise surrounding the throne of God.

But one of the most influential thing about my grandfather was his faith. The minister pointed out to us grandchildren in the memorial service what an amazing heritage we have. We are the third generation of men and women of God. My children make generation four of the faith. That's pretty amazing-- almost unheard of in this day and age. I had to agree with him. Jeremiah and I have been amazingly blessed in our families. Granted, they weren't perfect, but they followed the Lord to the best of their ability and I, as their progeny, wish to take a moment to rise up and call them Blessed.

We will miss you, Papa Jerry. Hope you're enjoying all that good music!!