grandpa houtz

My grandpa Houtz passed away on January 20th. He was in good health around Christmas time and then was hospitalized with pancreatitis the first part of January. His health rapidly declined as one problem lead to another, and we knew he wasn't going to make it. I was able to be in the room with him as he passed away, as well as most of my extended family. Aunts, uncles, cousins... Everyone that could possibly be there was there. As we watched the numbers slowly drop on his machines, I couldn't help but be filled with emotion realizing that this is what life is really all about. Family and love. Nothing else matters. Seeing my grandma kiss him for the last time, and then witnessing the tender love as she, my dad, aunt Char, aunt Bonnie, aunt Tara, and uncle Paul all held him until he slipped away, was one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. I realized in that moment that my biggest goal in life is to die just like my grandpa. Because if I am completely surrounded by all of my family, then I will know I have truly lived a good life. The reason we were all there that night was because my grandpa was worth being there for. He supported all of us. He came to all of our sporting events, dance recitals, and school plays growing up. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and asked nothing in return. He was the type of grandpa that was at the gym helping lay the wood floors until midnight because we had a deadline (at 80 years old). His family was most important to him. He and my grandma were very frugal and lived modestly so they could afford to take all of the extended family on a little trip to St George or Bear Lake each year for a family reunion. The memories that I have from these trips are priceless and I'm so thankful for them. My grandpa was a hard worker and an honest man. He was quiet and humble. He was a great example to all of us and we all love him very much, so we all showed up... To say our goodbye's and to show him our love and support. Because he was worth it. Because he would do the same for all of us. I hope that I can be a little bit more like my grandpa each day and earn the love and respect of my family so much so, that they will all want to gather around me in my final moments. That I will die knowing I lived a good life and that my legacy lived on. Rest in peace grandpa- 'till we meet again. I love you.


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