It is Spring Break for my kids this week so we decided to hit the open road—to Kansas and Missouri. I know…I know…not very exciting. But we had a purpose. Last year my great-grandfather (Rev. C.F. Croy) turned 95. For some reason I can’t even remember now, we were not able to make it to his grand party. But it isn’t often your kids get a chance to meet their great-great-grandfather so we decided we would make the trip during their Spring Break. So here we are.

We spend the first part of the weekend in Topeka, KS with Grant and Amy English (and their kids of course). On Monday we took the 2.5 hour trip to Nevada and introduced the kids to my spiritual hero. We went back the next day and are now in Olathe, KS spending a few days with Anita’s sister, Lisa. Here are a couple of pics from the visit in Nevada:

Me and My Hero!

The Whole Gang

The visits where short, but brought back a lot of great memories. This man is truly a spiritual giant in my life…not to mention the patriarch of the family (my oldest living relative). He was a pastor for as long as I can remember and I grew up wanting to be this man. He was kind. He had integrity that I didn’t know anyone could actually have. He loved Jesus with his whole life…heart, soul, and mind. He walked the walk and talked the talk. He is my hero. Period. I want to be just like him when I grow up.

I must admit that while I wanted the boys to meet him (Lindsay got to go to the birthday celebration so she already met him), I was a little apprehensive for the visit. I had an image of this man that I selfishly did not want to be tarnished. The last time I saw him he was strong and healthy…the man I admire and look up to more than anyone else. But that was just selfish.

And it was hard. His health is good, but his mind is fading. His long-term memory is great (he can pick people out of a picture from 50+ years ago) but his short-term memory is another story. But he is still the man I admire. He still loves Jesus and he is as kind and gentle as ever. I am glad we made the trip. In the pictures above you are seeing 5 generations (although two of them aren’t in the picture). This man is my family heritage. He is also my spiritual heritage. I am who I am today in large measure because of him.