The day I met Edward Gene Boehm will be a day I will never forget. I remember where I was standing, in what room I met him, where he sat, and the smile on his face as I walked into the room. Now, I would be lying to you if I did not mention that this meeting had some built up pressure behind it. Not only was I meeting the great Gene and Jane Boehm of Angleton, TX, but I was also being introduced to Jordan's beloved Grandma and Granddad.
Before the introductions, I had heard so many great things about Grandma and Granddad. The more Jordan spoke of them, the more I grew to understand the relationship. To say they are very honored and respected people whom many people hold in high regard would be an understatement. So, you can imagine how nervous I was to meet them. Nonetheless, Mr. Boehm did what he does naturally, and made me feel right at home and loved the second we shook hands.
Over the past 8 years, I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Mr. Boehm. I witnessed many of the things that gave people reason to respect him so much. I talked with him, listened to his stories, and admired the way my husband loved and looked up to him. I listened in on countless number of Sunday evening phone conversations between he and Jordan as they discussed business matters, such as the Aggie football program, the new machines rolling out of the John Deere factory, and the land out in Moulton. As Jordan and I pulled out of the driveway after a long weekend visit in the summer of 2007, I turned to Jordan and said "I absolutely love your grandparents." He laughed and smiled, for he already knew of their greatness.
There are many things I will never forget about Mr. Boehm. Many things that make me smile and laugh, and a lot that I will cherish and remember forever. If you have not had the pleasure of knowing a man as wonderful as he, allow me to shed some light on what I have gotten to know since 2005.
I will never forget his laughter and his boyish grin and the ability to find joy in life's most simplest pleasures. I will always admire the beauty of the family that he built and which surrounds him to this day. I will always honor and respect his love for hard work, and knowing that the most satisfaction you can ever gain from life is putting all your effort into something and watching the fruits of your labor bloom. I will be reminded of him every time I see a tractor out in the field shredding the terrain, or a giant burn pile being lit up at the end of the day. Phrases such as "well I'll be," "too many chiefs and not enough indians," and "I stepped on a frog," will never be heard the same again. I will miss his weekly letters in the mail that contained explanations of their daily routines and recent weather activities and rainfall amounts. I will forever be amazed at his ability to fall asleep in any position, at any time of day, and the way his foot would keep tapping all through his naps. I will miss his skill at ending any debate with just a few simple words, and his belief that all of the worlds problems are solved with a bowl of Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Mr. Boehm has taught me so much in the past 8 years. I am very blessed to have known him.
Every so often, an individual will come into your life that touches your heart. I have known such an individual, and I am going to miss him dearly.
I love you, Granddad.
