as the year comes to an end, and christmas is two days away. i find myself thinking about the two funerals that we attended this year both were expected on some level, neither grandpa or father ted had been in good health for a while . they were both navy men, and both intelligent men. as well as smart asses of this highest order. the twinkle in father ted's eye was something i have not seen in many people. there was a true fire burning in his soul for knowledge and to teach and for God. he said the motto for his life was that which is freely given, freely give and he did that in so many ways. he talked to every person at their own level. we only talked with him a few times but he connected. if only we had take more time with him.  Grandpa also had that spark for his family and you could tell until the last day that even though his body and mind were failing him that his intelligence and personality were still there. To see him push himself to show up to Jak's birthday and then try to hold the door for grandma when he could bearly hold him self up. a gentleman and a gentle man until the end. to every thing there is a season... hopefully our season of death is over for at least a short while.