a TRIBUTE to my sweet Grandpa...

So how do I even begin to pay tribute 

to a person who sculpted

such a huge part of who I am today?

My Grandpa, Russell Dean Shepherd, was a man of 

extreme TALENT,

immense LOVE,

witty HUMOR

& quiet, firm TESTIMONY. 

 

 

I will be forever grateful that he gave me the 

eyes to see the 

beauty, expression and vibrance of the art world 

and the ears to hear 

Mr. Miles Davis and the world of Jazz.

 

I will miss the "LOOPTIE-DOOS" on his lap, 

the lunches every Tuesday afternoon, 

 pouring over his paintings and the checking out the latest "masterpiece under construction",

laughing at his "under the radar" humor 

(while trying to talk him out of his talk radio philosophies)

& most of all his sweet kisses and hugs!!

My Grandpa touched my life in about every way possible and even in his passing he continued to do so. He had been writing a life history for quite sometime and he finished it not too long before he died. On the last page he wrote his last words and a little bit of advice for each of us. I first read these words at his viewing and I absolutely broke down. I was touched beyond words, because his words were perfect!! I could just hear him reciting them, with his cute little grin and his baby-blue eyes a' shinin'. The words were absolutely what I needed to hear. I needed that message...right then...at that moment, I needed those words for MY LIFE!! Some how, my Grandpa wrote the words that I needed. His life continues to bless my own, even when he is gone from my sight. Thank you Grandpa. I love you and I can't wait for the day when I will get that last hug that I missed.

I thought I would share his last words with you, for I know there is lifetime of wisdom and love behind them. Hopefully they will touch you as they have forever changed me...

"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.

A time to blow your chorus

and a time to put your horn away.

A time to paint your masterpiece

and a time to put your brushes away.

A time to be born

 and a time to die.

I, Russell Dean Shepherd, realizing that I have reached the ending of my life do lay my pen aside and make an end to my writings. Peace be with you my friend, and I will see you in a season or so. In the meantime, some advice...

LOVE thyself.

You cannot LOVE someone else if you cannot love thyself.

  LOVE your loved ones with an unconditional and charitable LOVE and care for one another.

Family is your most prized possession. 

LOVE your fellow men.

And LOVE the gospel of Jesus Christ and make it an important part of your life.

LOVE IS THE SECRET!

Click your Heels,  pull the curtain, & put out the light.

I am out of here!

This the last day, my friend!

...I THOUGHT THEY WOULD NEVER END!"