A life well lived

Grandpa Logan--the man for whom we named our second son--is dying. Maybe today, maybe next month ... we don't know the date, but we know his time is very short.

We are sad for what will be an immense loss to our lives, but rejoicing for these reasons:

Eighty-six years of walking faithfully with the Lord.

Honorable service to his country in World War II. Grandpa Logan took very seriously the responsibility for home and hearth placed on his shoulder as a U.S. Marine.

Over fifty years of marriage to the wife of his youth, who left us three years ago.

Three children--and not one divorce among them, even though they came of age as Baby Boomers.

Ten grandchildren.

An even dozen great-grandchildren to date.

Many years of dedicated service to his community and church.

A lifetime of love, laughter, and Bingo games played while sipping Cold Duck.

This is truly an example of a life well lived, isn't it? Grandpa Logan--Mr. Blandings' maternal grandfather--is one of those men in whose presence you want to stand a little taller. From the day Mr. Blandings and I married, I was never a "granddaughter-in-law" in his eyes; I was, simply, yet another granddaughter whom he welcomed and adored right alongside the others. I'm sure the man has his faults, but I tell you ... they're shockingly few. In a society where men routinely shirk their responsibilities, whine for "me time," and put their careers first, Grandpa Logan shines as an example of what true manhood is, and what its fruits are.

It's an honor to have known you, Grandpa Logan. Pass in peace into the arms of the Savior you have loved and served for so long. Look forward to the reunion you'll have with Grandma Betty. And know that we will see you again. For if your life accomplished anything, it is this: generations of followers of Christ, all of whom desire to follow in your footsteps for His glory.