Last week, my grandfather, Archie Eugene McGlenn, passed away. To the grandkids, he was known as "Geno" or "Poppy", and he was the architect of many fond memories from spending time at the family cabin on the Swan River to riding in his convertible up "Going-to-the-Sun" road in Glacier National Park to golfing at Buffalo Hill Golf Course. In addition to his large family, he loved golf and is a member of the Montana State Golf Association Hall of Fame. For years, he would escape the cold winter weather for greener courses in Kona, Hawaii.On Saturday, we said good bye to Geno with a small family burial service. His grave site is in a beautiful setting that includes views of the northern Rockies, swaying trees with leaves that play a soothing melody in the breeze, and good family company.
I was amazed by two things this weekend: (1) how much impact a single life can make on so many people, and (2) the remarkable fortitude and grace of my grandmother, Dorothy. Grandma Dot, as we call her, spoke about her love for Geno and also recognized a desire to live life to the fullest and explore her new independence. Her commitment to Geno was beyond description -- Geno and Dot were married for 62 years -- and she maintained a strong sense of herself that shows me she's a woman ahead of her time. Her patience, intelligence, good humor, and strength are things I admire greatly. I can only hope to be a fraction of the incredible woman she is, and I can't wait to see where life takes her in the years ahead.
Grandpa Gene and Grandma Dot at our wedding, which is on the same weekend as their wedding but 59 years later.
Grandpa Gene and Grandma Dot dancing at their 60th wedding anniversary.Geno is wearing the same suit he wore on his wedding day!
Love you, Geno, and we will miss you! We promise to do our best to live life on the sunny side of the street!
