Rico Samora
I felt very fortunate to share some of my most fond memories with Grandpa back in January at his bedside along with how important he was to me. There were all the trips he made down state to pick Aaron and I up for every vacation to be with the rest of the family. The many truck rides along Mason County back roads listening to country (the only genre of country I can tolerate to this day, hahaha) and the extremely under age driving lessons. Or the time playing soccer on an ice covered Round Lake, where Grandpa unfortunately lost a couple teeth, oops. That was the age where you thought tripping people was still funny. And there were the stories!! The stories also taught the lesson that you have to remind adults that they already told that one. But this never mattered, you would here the story or joke in its entirety and I would listen to it every time. And anyone who was there for my biggest lesson in humility, back in the 6th grade tri-county spelling bee, would not forget that Grandpa wanted nothing more than to be able to sit next to his grandson, DURING THE COMPETITION! That memory brings a smile and laugh to me to this day.
I'am grateful for the care he received which allowed for him to be there for Tanya and I to see him only two weeks ago. Grandpa may be gone but the memories we have will always be with us.