[muh–voo r-neen, –vawr-, –vohr-]
noun, Irish English.
- darling; dear.
Since I can remember, my grandpa has called me “Precious” and I’ve always loved it. He has this voice like the owner of the Beast in Sandlot, otherwise known as James Earl Jones. It’s hymnic and deep and soothing. He’s strong and handy and smart. When he had a stroke two and a half years ago and lost his short term memory, he did not call me Beth anymore, but Precious stuck and I knew deep down he knew me. I may not have been Grandpa’s mavoureen, but I will always be his Precious.
My dear grandpa passed away on Friday night. I feel so lucky to have had him around for thirty years of my life…because my grandpa George was extraordinary. He climbed trees with us, he sat around campfires and dreamed with us, he challenged us and was a teacher at heart, always asking us specific questions about hummingbirds or pelicans and expecting us to look up the answers in our Encyclopedias.
He loved the Lord. This brings tears to my eyes; he was crazily faithful. He wanted all of his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to know the joy that his Savior brought to him. He succeeded in this. Though we may not all be conservative Republicans, by gosh, we know the joy of the Lord. Thank you, Grandpa. It’s unlike any other joy I’ve ever experienced.
He loved my mavourneen of a grandma with all he had for sixty-three years. Sixty-three years. Whoa.
My grandpa was the kind of person that neighborhood dogs flocked to. If that doesn’t say much about his character, I don’t know what does. Pal would’ve loved him.
George Grady Hardin, Sr. was about family, laughter, nature, travel, books, and Florida Gator football. And those little Hershey dark chocolate almond nuggets. What a life he led.
He helped raise my dad, who is the most selfless and caring man I’ve ever known. My grandfather left his mark on all of his thirteen grandkids and six great-grandkids. He was well-respected. He had a servant’s heart. He wanted me to find a man so badly. He talked about it endlessly after his stroke, when we’d sit in the rocking chairs for hours and repeat our conversations. I will cherish this time together but to be honest, Grandpa, it’s partly your fault I haven’t found the right one. You are a lot to live up to.
beth of fresh air 
He was one of the most special guys I have ever known. Breaks my heart to know I’ll never do pool kicks with him again. So grateful to have had the chance to love him. I know how much your whole family will miss Mr. George Grady Sr. All my love to your Grandma and Daddy and that whole Hardin crew… and especially to you, sweet B
Dear Beth,
My heart goes out to you and your family. How blessed you are to have such a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. Your grandpa was such a great example of “a life well lived”. What a legacy he has of his children and all of your family members. Hold on to your wonderful memories. In having him for your grandpa you have been blessed beyond measure and will always be his “Precious”.
Hugs,
Sue (a family friend and big fan of Beth, the author)
Bethforlast, I am so sorry to learn that this wonderful man has left this world. He was so lucky to have all of you! I know he is immensely proud of his descendants, as are we. Thanks, George, for giving us these people. Rest in paradise.
Hey Beth and all the Hardin’s I know…I know that the troubles we endure here with the passing of George Sr. pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us and is now present for him, but I am sorry that this world has lost such a caring man. I’m glad he took the time to leave his character in each one of you who I know. I’ll miss him along with you. We love you all.
This is such a beautiful and powerful tribute to your Grandpa George! Love and prayers to the whole Hardin gang!
We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. What a treasure to have this man in your life.