A beginning and an end

Last week we said goodbye to Jason's Grandpa Hinrichs. We gathered down state on the farm with Jason's family and filled four days together telling stories of this great man. Everyone who knew him loved him, especially his grandchildren. An obituary read that he had spent his life as a farmer, and that he loved visiting with friends. But the stories people told over those days, and the pictures that we poured over- are what really tell the story of a life.

Ernest loved to laugh, and to make you laugh.
He always had a smile on his face. Including the very last time we visited him in the hospital.
Ernest always asked about you first.
He was generous.
He loved his family more than anything.
He had many friends.
He loved his church and his community.
He was extremely kind.
He loved his birthday.
He loved ice cream.
Ernest was a good man.

We will miss him terribly.

That same week, Jason's cousin and his wife welcomed their baby boy, Calvin Hinrichs Clem. Arriving eight weeks early, he was eager to greet the world, but he's doing very well. He's breathing on his own, and has even drank from a bottle already. He was 2 lbs 14 oz when he was born, but he's 3lbs 8 oz today. Practically a linebacker. Little Calvin is so special. He's so very tiny and so sweet. And he's like a little ray of happiness and sunshine for Jason's family. We love him so much. I can't wait to watch him grow. Marin tells everyone that baby Calvin is just a little tiny baby, but that someday he's going to run and play with her. I can't wait for that day. Marin also tells everyone that she has a new brother. We have to keep reminding her that Calvin's her cousin. I think she's just about got it. She always remembers baby Calvin in her prayers.

Watching the beginning and the end of life in the same week is a reminder of the circle of life. To make the best of every day. To live life to the fullest. To surround yourself with those that make you happy. To do well. To be your best. Life comes and goes. Tell people that you love them. Squeeze each other tightly. Laugh. Live it up. That's the way Ernest lived. A life well lived.