Calm Cradle Photo & Design
  • Home
  • Nature prints
  • Curriculum
  • Lifestyle portfolio
    • Newborn & maternity
    • Baby & child
  • Session information
  • Investment
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Memorial Day: Saying goodbye to Grandpa

5/27/2013

3 Comments

 
John B. Bean
The world feels off-kilter right now; my family and I are trying to re-orient after losing my beloved grandpa, John Bean, last week. It's difficult to imagine how we'll get along without him. He lived 93 years and made the most of each one. (If you need some inspiration to get out and make a difference in your community, just check out his obituary.) Because of his service during World War II, it seems fitting to write about him on this Memorial Day.

My heart swelled as I read several comments on his obituary guest book calling him "the greatest of the Greatest Generation." Of course I've always thought of my grandparents that way, but it makes me proud to see that others felt the same.

Among the many roles he assumed throughout his life, Grandpa was first and foremost a husband, father and pilot. He was endlessly generous. He taught us to live deliberately and by the highest moral standards. He also taught us that true love really can last a lifetime. (He leaves behind my grandma, his bride of 71 years.) Just this Mother's Day, I posted a 1958 photo he took of Grandma, whom he called "the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Grandpa was passionate about cameras and, for my 7th birthday, gave me my first one. That gift shifted my perspective of the world; since then my favorite view has been from behind the lens. Over the next 20 years, he often passed along camera gear to me as it became apparent that I'd also caught the photography bug. (Last year I wrote here about the Leica collection he gave me.) In this and many other ways, his influence on my life has been profound.

Grandpa was blessed to have a comfortable end, surrounded by his family. As he set an example for us in the way he lived, he also set one in dying with grace. He was calm, at peace, accepting.

Nora and I flew to Florida last week for Grandpa's memorial service. The evening after the service, we wandered down to the beach with my mom, sister and niece. We have years—decades, really—of memories on that beach from our annual visits to my grandparents. It just happened that we caught the sun setting, injecting a golden lining into the massive, ink-blue storm clouds that were rolling in.

As a pilot, Grandpa's heart belonged to sky. Now the rest of him does, too, and it felt like he was sending a final farewell. Thank you, Grandpa, for being the greatest of the greatest. I love you!
Sunset. Naples, FL. Calm Cradle Photo & Design
3 Comments
Pat Lattimore
5/27/2013 01:30:58 am

What a truly wonderful tribute to your grandfather. Having known your Uncle John for a few years (Babette and I were high school classmates) I'm not at all surprised that he was such an exemplary man. Your uncle is quite a terrific guy himself.

Reply
Arlene Borgeson Johnson
6/1/2013 10:47:59 pm

My brother Dale was married to Molly Bean, so I appreciated the
Tribute to John Bean with picture of him when a young man. A
Life well lived. Arlene

Reply
Erin Borgeson Castelli
6/2/2013 07:08:04 am

So beautiful, Julia.
Love you, Erin

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    My new book is out! Click to learn more about it.

    Equus Rising: How the Horse Shaped U.S. History. By Julia Soplop. Illustrated by Robert Spannring.

    Hello there

    Picture
    I'm Julia Soplop, writer and photographer. I believe there is something profound in bearing witness to moments of joy and pain in others’ lives. My husband, three girls and I live outside of Chapel Hill, NC. You can read more about me here.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Snag my new photo curriculum for kids! 

    Fantastic photo curriculum for kids! Documenting Your World Through Photography: An Introductory Course for Elementary and Middle Schoolers. By Julia Soplop of Calm Cradle Photo & Design

    Categories

    All
    Adventures
    Around The House
    Curriculum
    Diy & Events
    Nature
    Pittsboro CH Outdoors
    Portraits
    Shop News
    Writing & Musings

    Design Mom Home Tour by Julia Soplop of Calm Cradle Photo & Design
    Don't miss my Design Mom home tour!

    Popular posts

    DIY crate bookshelf
    Toddler bedroom tour
    Nursery tour
    DIY twin bed
    DIY braided scarf
    DIY coffee bean centerpiece
    Grandma knows best
    Little gallery wall
    DIY yarn wreath ornament
    DIY no-sew tutu
    5-month portraits + b&w tips
    Designing fabric
    DIY felt heart mobile

Grab my FREE SAMPLE of Documenting Your World Through Photography

* indicates required
  • Home
  • Nature prints
  • Curriculum
  • Lifestyle portfolio
    • Newborn & maternity
    • Baby & child
  • Session information
  • Investment
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact