Molly and I traveled out to South Dakota over the weekend for my Grandpa Robbins’ funeral. On the drive out there, I had a lot of time to reflect on my favorite memories with Grandpa and what he has meant to me.

Grandpa Robbins was the quintessential grandfather. I remember him as a kind man of few words who loved to go fishing and play cards with his grandkids. He would take us out on his fishing boat and even let us “steer” around the lake! I fondly remember fishing in Grandpa’s creek with my cousins and we caught over 80 bullheads… poor Grandpa was busy taking fish off our hooks and putting new bait on for us. I also remember once he let us grandkids hop up in the combine to see the machinery. Grandpa was also very adept at playing dominoes and “crazy 8′s”… but you had to be careful because he would peek at your cards if given the opportunity!

Grandpa was always there for my important milestones in life… my baptism, confirmation, high school graduation and my wedding, among others. Thankfully, Doug and I traveled out to South Dakota in July and Molly got to meet her Great-Grandpa Robbins while he was in good health. Those memories have comforted me many times this week.

While at the visitation and funeral, I got to catch up with my cousins and relatives… we all have very fond memories of family gatherings and especially of our Grandpa Robbins. May his devotion to family and legacy of love live on in our families.

- Erin