Dear Granddad

Col. Darrel Gail Welch, our Granddad, Ace of World War II, a pure inspiration person, passionate, wise, and full of humor; has passed away this last Tuesday night. He was 96 years old living in San Antonio. He was the one who instigate me to go back to school and I remember his words: I will put my money where my mouth is." And he did, he has given money for my tuition and always wanted to know how I was doing in School. Two years ago over thanksgiving he showed up wearing the Western Oregon University's hat just to support me. A loving person that I will miss greatly. We were able to visit him this last August when he was diagnosted with cancer on the bones... If there is a perfect way to die, he had it. With no pain, with his loving sons, daughter , and wife on the side of his bed, just like if he went sleep. If you ask me about anyone who lived a life at its full, it was him!! He was bitten by a snake twice, at age of 10 he had an accident cutting wood where the other child hit him on the face with a double sided axe. With no money he endured college, and with never hard flown, he signed up for the flight program before WWII. Flying P-38 he shot down 5 German airplanes in aerial combat, and coming back alive to the States, he is defentely a hero of war. He taught in college, he oppened a business, and went back to the military service. Always loving and kind with a great humor, it was great to seat by him and just let him tell his stories of life, and jokes in between. My kids just loved him. Tessa says when we talk about Granddad: "He is so cute!!", and she had a hard time leaving San Antonio after visiting him last August. Next Thursday is going to be his funeral in Texas, and it is not going to be an easy one to let him go... Thank you Granddad for everything!!!

At the same day, I received the great news that I received the award from the Exercise Science faculty at Western Oregon University that I was choosen the Major of the year award for the year 2014/2015. I wish Graddad would have a chance to hear that. He was very proud of me for the two awards received last year, and I believe this one would not be any different.