Grandpa Frank

When I was first asked to say a few words about Grandpa tonight, I was overwhelmed.  Afterall, how can you give due justice to such an incredible person in just “a few words”… how can you spend only a few minutes talking about an amazing man who lived 93 years, became patriarch to four generations, served his country so courageously, and touched the lives of so many?  I can’t possibly say enough about my grandpa.  But as I reflected these past few days on the many beautiful years I had with him, the words that most come to mind are tough, sharp-minded, and loving.

Anyone who knew Frank Sabala would agree that he was a tough guy.  He served courageously during World War II in the Philippines and Japan, and had abs of steel that I’m sure deflected all kinds of enemy artillery.  As a child, I remember him lifting weights in the sun and always staying busy with some sort of physical activity, even during his retirement years.  He maintained a “tough-guy” mentality, as well, and never complained of discomfort or denied any job that seemed difficult.  In fact, with his own two hands he transformed his backyard into an amusement park for us grandchildren.  I’m sure many of you will remember what we called “The Jungle” and the long hours we spent up in the treehouse, flying down the zipline, spinning on the merry-go-round, swinging, and teeter-tottering.  All those things he built with creativity by the sweat of his brow, and out of love for us.  And even later on, when it was harder for Grandpa to get around and stay physically active, he remained tough.  He didn’t complain and always reassured, “I’m OK, I’m OK.”  I wonder if he was so tough indeed that he didn’t even notice he was getting sick the last few days.

Grandpa had a sharp mind.  He would tell stories from his past like they were yesterday.  He remembered a language learned long ago, and when I was studying Russian he would impress me with his Polish fluency.  (He assured me I should understand what he was saying.)  He always remembered his great-grandchildren and uniquely spoke of their latest endeavors.  He concerned himself with the health of my youngest child and always made a point to ask how he was doing.  Even in his later years, Grandpa would recall his own childhood, his military service, and his family ancestry with vivid imagery.  Why, just two days before his death, he and my husband had a long and detailed discussion of Grandpa’s hometown in Pennsylvania, his short-lived coal-mining years, and how he came to join the U.S. Army.

Above all, Grandpa was loving.  Though he was of Polish descent, never was there a prouder American.  Indeed, he loved his country so much that he put his own life on the line to defend her.  He raised his five children with unconditional love and taught them by example the importance of their faith and their family.  And to his grandchildren, even the “tough guy” in him couldn’t mask the love he had for us.  I remember long summer afternoons at the pool in his backyard, and there Grandpa always was, watching over us, swimming alongside us, or building some type of new amusement to keep us entertained.  And as he grew older, his heart softened even more.  He always maintained a stash of gummy bears nearby to lure the great-grandchildren in his direction, and constantly commented how big they were getting and how smart they were.  His love for my grandma was always apparent, and even the tough guy in him couldn’t suppress his display of affection for her, both in word and deed.  Above all, Grandpa clearly showed love for God and his faith.  He consistently made a point to worship regularly at church, rain or shine, in health or sickness.  Even as it became difficult for him to get around, attending Mass remained a priority.  Above all the beautiful things Grandpa gave us and the legacy he left us, I am most thankful for the gift of faith and love that he passed on to our family.  Because without a hope for life eternal, of joining Grandpa again someday in glory, why are any of us here tonight?

And so, while our hearts ache for the great grandpa, father, husband, uncle, and friend we have lost, we are at peace knowing that Grandpa lived life to its very fullest.  We are thankful that we came together as a family, just last Wednesday, to celebrate Grandpa’s birthday and  to remind him what a special person he will always be in our lives.  We take comfort in the fact that Grandpa left us peacefully in his sleep on his favorite day of the year—Veteran’s Day. 

Grandpa, thank you for all you gave and taught us.  We love you and will miss you… until the day we meet again.