He was 88-years-old. He's been in relatively good health over the past few years but about a month ago he got sick and never bounced back.
Grandpa Frank (he's why I'm Nathaniel Frank) is quite a man. He served in World War II, has six kids and 18 grandchildren, and worked as a pharmacist until he was 86.
When I was a teenager, my grandpa got a season pass to Seven Peaks Water Park every summer. He was the only 73-year-old who would show up four or five times a week and go down the tallest, scariest slides over and over.
He introduced me and my brothers, sisters, and cousins to Nintendo. He would play Super Mario Brothers late into the night and conquered all eight levels countless times.
I always loved going to Grandpa's house...especially if I got to sleep over. He'd let us stay up really late, eat lots of junk food, and take us swimming at the Scera.
Grandpa Frank loved history, Ponderosa, the gospel, and golfing.
He was very generous. Every year I got money and a new outfit for my birthday. So did my siblings and cousins.
Before I left on my mission, he gave me $500. It paid for my bike. He continued to support me every month while I served in Australia.
I have so many memories of my Grandpa Frank. Perhaps my favorite happened a year ago this week on my wedding day.
I was so happy Grandpa Frank was in the temple. During the ceremony, Elder Bednar had Erica and I stand up and look in the reflecting mirrors. He asked our parents and grandparents to come and stand behind us.
Elder Bednar explained that we come from generations of strong men and women who sacrificed for us. He reminded us of our ancestors and those who have gone before.
As we looked in the mirrors, I glanced at my Grandpa Frank. I pictured my Grandma Jan standing beside him. She died in 1985. 27 years ago.
I can't imagine living without my wife for nearly three decades.
On that special day, as I was just beginning life with my beautiful wife, I thought of the day my grandfather would again be with his eternal partner. I thought about how much he must miss her. I imagined the joyous reunion that would happen when they would be together again.
Monday night, as Erica and I enjoyed our first wedding anniversary, my Grandpa Frank and Grandma Jan were reunited.
One year to the day of that special moment in the temple, as Erica and I celebrated our eternal marriage, my grandparents celebrated theirs.
Yesterday an 18 ton jet crashed into an apartment complex.
No one was killed or seriously injured.
It's being called "The Good Friday Miracle."
The Navy jet was flying at least three times the G-force of the fastest roller coaster you've ever been on.
The student pilot and his instructor knew something wasn't right. They experienced a "catastrophic engine failure" right after take-off...so they dumped 8000 pounds of fuel and parachuted from the jet at the last possible moment.
The aircraft smashed into five apartment buildings around noon. Massive flames and plumes of smoke filled the air. At least 40 units were destroyed.
No one was killed or seriously injured.
"The Good Friday Miracle."
I got to Virginia Beach four hours after the wreck happened. I had seen video and pictures of the scene before I arrived...but was speechless when I saw it with my own eyes.
I was stunned when I learned only seven people (including the two pilots) received "minor" injuries and they were all quickly released from the hospital.
The first person I interviewed was Patrick Kavanaugh.
This former Navy EMT has suffered FIVE heart attacks, has severe back problems, and is in poor health.
He heard the crash and explosions...then looked outside and saw one of the pilots lying on his back deck! He ran to help and likely saved the man's life.
Here's his riveting account of what happened:
I have never covered something of this magnitude that ends in such an amazing way.
