We don’t really have much to report; Gramps has been sleeping for the past couple of days. Every once in a while we’ll get little smile, or a little wave or a mumbled “I love you” but that is the extent of his conversations with us. So many people have called or text to see if they can come visit. We are asking at this time to send any love through email, text or phone calls and keeping visits to immediate family members only. Thank you to everyone again for your thoughts and prayers.
Dear Gramp,
I love you so much you are the best grampa ever. I will never forget the memories we have had. Thanks for teaching me how to play the ukalaili it is so much fun. We have had so much fun together I love your pupets! those are so much fun. Well I love you soo much I cant wait to see you again in heaven you are the Best!
Love, Kennedee (grand-daughter)
ps. thanks for letting me play the guitar its so fun.
Meg,
Since hearing the update on Perry my emotions have been very close to the surface and have "spilled over" many many times, I find myself crying several times each day. Working with Perry was a highlight in my life. I loved hearing his stories and how he knew the best places to eat in every city is beyond me. Seeing him each and everyday and hearing him tease me about anything and everything- from the way my nose turns up at the end, to what I was eating for lunch- is something I will always cherish. I sit now with a heavy, heavy heart knowing that in the last 9 years the only contact I've had with him has taken place over Facebook and even at that was very limited, I will forever look back knowing that I took his friendship for granted. BUT I take comfort knowing he doesn't hold it against me, because I will ALWAYS remember the "big Perry smile" he gave me when I walked into the Glyphics Reunion. That's just Perry, he loves us for US and is never judgmental.
I was telling a friend yesterday the situation with Perry and I was trying to come up with the best way to describe him and my relationship to him and the best thing I could come with is he's the Grandpa or Bishop everyone wishes they had. Heck, maybe if he were my bishop I'd make it to church... It's hard to imagine this world without "Big Per, with the Orange Hair" but to echo those that have already sent you letters, Heavenly Father needs his help on the other side. I lost my hero and Grandpa almost 2 years ago and I'm sure they will make fast friends and have story after story to tell each other.
Thank you for putting the reunion together and allowing me the opportunity to reconnect with Perry. Please give him a hug from me. I sure love that man!
Angie Olson (friend)
Putting into words what my father in law means to me is probably impossible. How do you summarize a 36 year friendship into a few words? I remember when I first met Brett and told people that I liked him, the first thing they would always say is "he has the coolest dad"! The first words Perry ever said to me were "those are the ugliest shoes I've ever seen"! That didn't seem that cool to me. However, marrying his son, and becoming part of the Kassing family has been the greatest blessing of my life. I was accepted by Perry, and Shirley, flaws and all. They have become some of my dearest friends. We have laughed together, cried together and spent countless hours visiting in our neighboring homes and on the porch. Long summer nights we've sat and heard the same stories told over, and over again. By Perry. He would start a story and say "have I ever told you about the time..." we'd say yes, and off he'd go telling it again. It didn't matter if it was the first or the 50th time, he'd just keep going.
Over the years I've discovered why everyone thinks he's so cool. He has a way of making you feel like you’re his favorite person in the world. All of us "in laws " would tell you we're his favorite, that's just how he made you feel. Early on in our marriage he would come pick me up for lunch. I think he told Shirley he was working, but he never has had any visible means of support. He took me to some pretty scary places. He taught me to love Mexican food that would make your eyeballs sweat. He introduced me to Schmidts bakery, and the dessert at Market Street Grill. He loves me, and I know it. The last 4 1/2 years have not been easy. When his friend and Dr, Anna Beck told him the cancer was back we sat in his library and bawled like babies. He told me he wasn't ready to go, but maybe it was time. These last few weeks have been hard. But some of the most tender moments of our friendship. We've laughed, and we've cried. I will miss my friend, but I know I will see him again.
Now, I want to say something about his Bubba. He loves you deeply. He's told me that so many times. It's not easy to be married to a legend (in his own mind right?) But you've been his one and only true love. The Marine that swept his heart away. As I've watched you care for him these last few years I've admired your strength and your courage. You are an amazing woman, and as a plaque I once gave you says "how blessed I am, how fortunate I've been, that you are his mother, and also my friend". Love ya Bubb
Lori (Daughter in Law)
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