Glenn Goodman, my Father-in-law passed away on Monday January 3rd early in the morning after a noble fight with ALS aka Lou Gherig's Disease. This day was also my sweet daughters birthday. He will be sorely missed.
My first memory of him is at the dinner table when Nate and I were dating in high school at the age of 16. We were eating and no one was saying a word. It was quiet but for the sound of the silverware against the plates. This is unusual for me, in my house you have to practically yell. The only time there was any noise was when the two youngest siblings were fighting about one of them being too close to the other. Even then Glenn just looked at them for a second and went back to eating. It made me laugh actually.
My Father-in-law was an exactly honest man in his speech and in his thoughts and actions. In conversation he demanded the same. Not by being rude or by request but by his quiet example. He was a man of few words but they were often wise and probing. He was practical and a man of integrity and he was also funny. Watching him laugh was contagious because of his smile.
Growing up I HATED playing games. I think this is because I didn't like it when people, especially myself had to lose and they felt bad. We didn't play many games in my house growing up. Dating Nate we would play games for family Home Evening from time-to-time. I was able to watch one game and played most of the time after that. One game Glenn was about to score a point and the game was a game involving the people around you. He was laughing so hard that he started to cry, turn bright red and started to drool. We were all laughing because he was laughing, and he hadn't even taken his turn yet! It was so fun and a memory I will carry with me forever! Games weren't so bad after that! Not many people saw that side of Glenn and it's too bad. He is so much fun.
Glenn wasn't afraid of saying what needed to be said or doing what needed to be done. He was a courageous man and a very hard worker and taught that to his children. Because of him my husband is one of the hardest working men I know, and enjoys it because he has very fond memories of working side-by-side with his Father. He owned 2 El Caminos and I remember him working on those a lot in his garage. He was good at fixing just about everything.
Later on when grandchildren starting coming, he always brought his camera with him and was always taking pictures of them. He really loved them and enjoyed them! He would play with them and tickle them and I know it made him sad when he could no longer do those things with them. So, rather than feel sad he did other things that he COULD do with them. He put them on his lap and took them for rides outside in his wheelchair. They laughed and smiled and had a great time!
He was very healthy and was very contientious about the subject. He would make "green smoothies" for breakfast and after having tried some my husband affectionately referred to them as Dirt smoothies. :-) Some of the things that went into these smoothies included: kale, swiss chard, celery, blueberries, carrots, flaxseed, spinach, collard greens, and anything else that was healthy really. I admire him just for being able to drink them!!! :-) If you started a conversation about his subject you could get him talking for quite a while! One time I asked him something about milk, and he went on for a while. When he was done there was complete silence. After a minute he said, "I take it you guys don't agree." It was hilarious and we all had a good laugh about it, including Glenn!
I have so many other memories of him, and will try to post some more. I am blessed to be able to be a part of the family that he helped create and will miss his wit, wisdom, smile and quiet ways. His love and testimony will be survived by the way he lived his life and taught his children. His fight with the horrendous illness that he had gave me and my husband the honor of serving him for just a short time before he passed. Though the only contribution I was able to make was to make my husband, his son available at any point of need. I wish it could have been more. I am grateful for the honor it was to share in his life and to be part of his noble family! We'll miss you Glenn!!!
