This week was nearly closed and done when I heard that my maternal grandfather, William Duncan, passed away early Sunday morning. In light of his passing home to heaven, I'd like to say a few words here about Grandpa Duncan and the role he played in my life. First, playing chess with Grandpa Duncan is one of my earliest childhood memories. I distinctly recall sitting in a warm garage as a little boy trying to grasp the rules of the game. Subsequently, I played chess whenever I visited my grandfather in his home in Knoxville, and every time I see a chess board it is a reminder to me of him. I also recall chatting with him many times about current events. He always stayed up-to-date on the latest news from around the world, and any time I called he was quick to ask me my opinion of this situation or that foreign action. He had a keen interest in politics, and he was gifted at sharing his opinion with a thoughtfulness that provoked discussion, not defensiveness. Grandpa Duncan was also always laughing. There wasn't a time I visited when he didn't flash a grin as big as the Grand Canyon at me and any other guests that were there, and he was always cracking jokes. But most importantly, Grandpa Duncan was a committed, faithful Christian who sought to please God with his life. Grandpa Duncan took care to talk about the Bible, his faith, and my own spiritual decisions when we talked, aside from letting me know I was in his prayers each day. There were many days when I was upset or discouraged or angry about something, and I'd think, "At least Grandpa and Grandma Duncan are praying for me today." His love was always a comfort to me, and his life was an example to follow.
Coincidentally, I'd thought about my grandfather three times in the last three days. Twice I met Koreans that were talking about the Korean War and relatives who had fought there, and I put in the Grandpa Duncan had also been engaged in that conflict (by the way, his memory of it was sharp--he could tell me every place he'd been to with all the correct Korean pronunciation). Then this morning at church I met a girl from, of all places in the world, Grandpa Duncan's home in Knoxville, who was doing a study abroad at the University of Tennessee. I told her that I had relatives there and was thinking about my grandparents then.
My last visit with my Grandpa was this past spring break. It was kind of a last minute thing, but I'm so glad I did it. I was visiting Kris in Atlanta, and we drove to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga. On a whim, I suggested to Kris that we drive to Knoxville and visit my grandparents. I knew then that I was going to Korea for at least a year and I wouldn't be able to see them for a while, so Kris graciously agreed to take the out-of-the-way drive to meet them. We sat in my grandparents' den while chatting and eating apple pie. I got some pictures with them, which seem like the only pictures I have with them since I was a kid. Anyhow, I'm thankful I took the trip and spent the time with them that I did.
In other news, I got a black eye playing soccer on Friday. A guy swung his arm backwards a little wildly and clocked me in the right eye, knocking my contact lens out and giving me the appearance of purple eye-liner. It's more humiliating than painful at this point, but thought I'd mention it. Also, had a date on Saturday that went pretty well (despite the black eye), so I expect things to continue to move in the right direction. I'll need some more time before I can decide, though. Teaching this past week was fine, but this upcoming week appears to be more challenging. There was a voluntary shift offered Saturday morning for $75 for three hours, so I am taking that and then going with my coworkers to Busan on Saturday and Sunday for training.
There's more, but I don't feel like writing anymore now.
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