Every Friday I’ll indulge my order-crazed brain in a list of randomness. Welcome to my Friday Fives.

There is one part of my trip to Texas that I haven’t yet blogged about and that’s Sunday. I had planned to stay an extra day so I could spend some time with my grandparents on their farm south of Fort Worth, but by the time I had arrived on Thursday my grandfather, Gramps, had become quite ill. By Friday he was taken to the emergency room and admitted with a severe infection. Even though he missed Bryan’s wedding–and I know he hated that, especially since he officiated our first–I am so glad he got the care he needed in time, and thankful I was able to have that day to sit with him.

Luckily, he is doing much, much better. Prayers have been answered, but we still need them coming. Please keep this sweet man in your thoughts as he moves forward with his recovery.

In honor of such an incredible man who is a large force in my life, I wanted to take a moment to share five of my favorite things about him with you…

5. Family and Faith

Gramps has always been a quiet leader, setting impeccable examples with his actions. He is a soldier for Christ and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. I know deep in my heart that he would do anything for any of us. I love and admire his consistency, patience, warmth and giving attitude. The world needs more men like him.

4. Humor

Like my dad (and like my husband — where’s Freud when you need him?), Gramps is pretty quiet until he has a joke. And then it’s a zinger and you’re laughing louder than ever before. He loved playing tricks on us when we were young–always having the last laugh, and continues to tell the best stories. Here’s him doing his infamous Peedy the Snake bit. He never messes up, it’s amazing. You’re almost kinda hoping he slips up..just once! And, yes, my grandfather is a YouTube sensation.

3. Music

Gramps has always been surrounded by music. Whether in worship, or crowded around the family piano, you can bet he’ll be singing, playing, directing, harmonizing and soaking up every bit of it. I credit him (and my grandmother) for my own musical talents and I’m thankful for them always making it a priority in their own home, therefore a priority in mine. Here we are playing duets with him on a trombone he made out of PVC pipe. (The man can–and has–built everything!)

2. Marriage

Gramps and Mimi just celebrated 65 years of marriage last week. Isn’t that incredible? They have set such a wonderful example of what a marriage should be through their love, affection, humor, patience and understanding. I also think loving to play a good game of cards, dominoes or “Social Security” helps too.

1. Heart

If I could ask for anyone’s heart, I would ask for Gramps’. He has the kindest, biggest heart of anyone I know. There’s enough love for the entire world wrapped up in that man. And I’m so lucky that I get to absorb as much of it as possible. I love you, Gramps, and we are all sending our very best thoughts, wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.