On January 31, the world lost an incredible man, husband, father, friend, grandpa and great-grandpa. Newton Lawrence Chamberlain III touched the lives of everyone he met. His commanding presence made you want to listen when he spoke. While Grandpa Newt had firm beliefs and opinions, he never made anyone feel wrong if their opinions didn't align with his.
From the moment I met Grandpa Newt, he treated me like family. He didn't love talking on the phone, but made it a point to check in on me and the kids every week or so. In fact, I still have a voicemail on my phone that I like to listen to just to hear his voice.
When Luke and I found out I was pregnant, Luke insisted that we name any future boys after his grandfather. After Logan was born, we called Grandpa Newt to tell him the good news, his new great grandchild was a boy and we named him Logan Newton. Grandpa Newt was honored and proud. I just hope Logan someday realizes the significance his name carries.
Grandpa Newt loved history, Paris, The University of Michigan, black and white movies, martinis and family. He used to say that Paris is the greatest city in the world. At different times, he and grandma Marilyn took all of the grandchildren to Paris. He joked that his last trip would be taking the great grandchildren there. I hope Luke and I can take Avery and Logan there one day so that we can all experience Grandpa Newt's favorite city together.
Since the Chamberlains spent most of the year in Michigan, Grandpa Newt was an avid University of Michigan fan. He often harassed Luke and me by telling us that Avery and Logan needed to attend a real college like The University of Michigan.
At Christmastime, Grandpa Newt sent me the movie, Casablanca. He wanted me to see one of his favorite movies. Luke and I finally watched it the Saturday before he passed. For those of you who haven't seen Casablanca, it is a must see. After watching the movie, I told him that I was going to send a surprise of one of my favorite movies. I never had a chance to send it, but I planned on sending Legally Blonde. I'm sure he would have gotten a kick out of the ridiculousness of it.
In the short five years I have known Grandpa Newt, he has touched my life more than I could imagine. His passing leaves a void that no one can quite fill. Sadly, I have never had much faith in the idea of heaven, but I sure hope it is real so that I can see grandpa Newt and give him a big hug again someday. I love you and miss you already.
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss
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