Our young ,married life on the farm was given a huge blessing. A year after Tom’s dad passed(a week after we married), my mother-in-law married her widowed, college sweetheart. Thus our lives took on a new venue.

Colonel Grandpa Ashton, arrived upon the scene. He was a breath of fresh air, in the lives of a young couple under pressure.

As a retired, army veteran/veterinarian ,who was raised as a dairy farmer, his wealth of knowledge and experience was a treasure. He served in WWII and the Korean War. I so wish that he was with us today to give his spin on politics.

He exuded class, knowledge, and spirituality. His agrarian spirit was a gift from God. He was sent to help 2 young kids build a farm life.

The spring immediately after they married, he sprung into action. He was Tom’s right hand man. He was a light in the darkness. Now my husband had a father figure to help build the farm.

He was the SEEKER OF WISDOM on the farm. Always reading, visiting Ohio State, and learning the newest methods of getting the job done, our farm began to flourish.

My mother-in-law was a good woman. However, Grandpa was also The Keeper of the Peace.

In 1917 the farm was purchased by Tom’s grandfather, Pat Conway, It is now a Century Farm. The homestead was built in 1890. Grandpa and Tom basically did all of the early remodeling. Trust me when I say, ”Grandpa could do anything and everything. If he didn’t know how to complete the task, he’d research it, and figure it out.”

Grandpa Ashton helped form the characters of 3 little Cutler boys into fine, outstanding, young men. He was always giving them tips about their fair animals, and teaching them life lessons. He helped to form their amazing work ethic, along with their parents.

Often during football season, I’m asked the following question: “How did the 2 of you raise 3 such amazing young men?” My answer is always the same. “The boys had a very present father and grandfather. They were always doing one of 2 things. Working with Dad and Grandpa, or playing football. Video games were limited. I took them to all activities with friends. The boys vacationed with me during the summers at my sister’s lake house. They were in church every Sunday. We weren’t their best friends. We were parents.”

Being a storyteller, Grandpa could hold a conversation spellbound. With his military experience, he was a plethora of knowledge.

The Book of Wisdom 6:12-16 “Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. One who watches for her at dawn will not be disappointed, for she will be found sitting at the gate. For setting your heart on her is the perfection of prudence., and whoever keeps vigil for her is quickly free from care. She makes her rounds for those who are worthy of her, and graciously appears to them on the way. She goes to meet them with full attention.”

Thanks Grandpa, for the love, knowledge, wisdom, guidance and faith ,with which you blessed us. You touched the lives of all of us. We are honored that your wisdom lives on, through all of us. I can only image what you are now teaching others in heaven.

Love You, Grandpa.

Granny Fearless Faith-Sue