Robert Carroll McCaleb, 1917- 2012

My grandpa passed away last night. He was 95. What a long time to live. But what a full life he had. His wonderful wife, my grandma, preceded him in death by ten years. I don't know how people "find" each other in heaven, but I believe they are together now. They with their son, my dad. And their daughter who died as a newborn. And everyone else they knew and loved who left this earth before them. I would love to have a real glimpse of what heavenly reunions are like. Think of all the great-great uncles and aunties you might get to meet. I hope they let you greet the people you actually know first. ;)

Here's a picture of my grandfather, aka Bob.



Wasn't he a handsome young fellow?

My uncle Gary posted this picture on Facebook and included these words:
"Seventy years later, this trooper went home to his Lord. Dad slipped away about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night; the weathered shell of what he once was released him to be who he truly is in Christ. More to say in due time, but no dad could have been a finer man or better mentor than this man who taught me duty, honor, God, and country through word spoken, deed done, and blood shed. Rest in Peace, dad."
Well said, Gary.


I didn't know him as well as I could have. My grandparents lived in Arizona, so I only got to see them maybe once a year. I always thought he was a cute old man with an unmistakably good heart. He was artistic. Serious and hard-working. Forever telling war stories. Devoted, generous, and strong.

Erin, Gavin, Megan and I will be at his graveside service in Arizona the end of next week. It may be the last time any of us has reason to go to Arizona. =( My whole life, all the visits there have been to see my dad and grandparents. And now they have all moved on to the other side.
I miss them.

Grandpa will be missed. The grandpa I knew as a child has been "gone" for the last several years. His memory had mostly deteriorated, and he could no longer carry on a coherent conversation. It probably didn't help that his hearing was next to none. It's sad not knowing when we'll get to see him again, but it's a comfort to know that he is now free from the physical and mental limitations that he had been experiencing. He must feel so energized and, for lack of a better word, alive.

Farewell, Grandpa McCaleb . . . 'til we meet again.