Wednesday, February 28, 2024
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. If you want to know how to raise a family look to John and Rosie.
Our father was grateful for the extra innings in his 93 year long journey. He had a big family, but he didn't live a big life. He was a simple guy that appreciated the little moments and filled his cup with love. He loved us for who we were and how we showed up for others.
Over the decades we could always count on a tear in his eye as he sat beside Rosie watching her hold one of the newborn grandchildren. When we needed it most over the last weeks and months, he provided the brightest moments. We found ourselves teary eyed seeing his joy in meeting his great grandchildren. These brand new babies were born just in time.
If he wasn't holding a baby or sharing a cookie with a crumb snatcher, he was usually planning something mischievous.
It was always worth paying attention when we caught a glimpse of the little sparkle in his eye and the slight tilt of his head as he held back a smile.
If you are with us today, you know his door was always open and everyone was welcome, unless you were a beloved nephew that had traveled 7 hours. The Connecuit Mumbachs were VIP guests, and he always made sure they were greeted with the infamous CLOSED sign hanging on his front door.
To add to the excitement of a Sunday dinner with a mere 30 Mumbachs he ensured the fun would escalate by daring to squirt the hose into Rosies kitchen window to start a water war. Clearly this was decades after the highly regulated 6pm meals at the old house.
Those evenings were filled with say your prayers, elbows off the table, finish everything on your plate, hold off on asking for 2nds if you see guests at the table, wait till Dad is done eating to ask to be excused and the stern "Call back after 7" hang up.
His enthusiasm for creating a good laugh was complimented by his desire to help. Although all thumbs he was a willing apprentice on any project, sometimes, it was helpful.
He remained a gentleman until the end, just three weeks ago, we had to convince him to stay in the car and that he did not need to get out to help pump our gas or retrieve his walker from the trunk.
As he grew unsteady in those extra innings, he needed a sidekick. He would jokingly ask if we were on grandpa duty. He was grateful for the support and we were grateful for our time with him. He and Rosie had created a family that knew to hold hands and love their way through.
Go ahead and take 40 laps Dad, you've earned it. Rest in peace.
