I've had blog topics rolling around in my mind for weeks now. The last funny story from Tobin, My thirtieth birthday that was fabulous and I was ridiculously spoiled. But today I must blog about my grandpa Earl. People say that girls "marry" their fathers. I didn't, I "married" my grandpa. He is a man that is as close to Christ as I have known. My grandpa has a way of loving and welcoming everyone he greats with a smile and his latest joke. He knows how to fix everything with duck tape and old plywood. He taught us all how to make whistles out of tree branches and to not be ashamed about giving old grandpa a kiss on the lips.
My grandma Barb and the love of his life, died just over a year ago. She was a queen to him. He showed us an example of long lasting commitment and unending love. I, nor my mom, ever remember him ever speaking an ill word about anyone. I just can't stress enough what a Christ-like life he has lead. He has been a pastor his whole life. And not just on Sunday mornings at the pulpit but his everyday comings and goings.
Most importantly to me. . . What I will cherish as simple as it is, Grandpa lights up every time he sees me. (to be fair he does this will all his grand kids) He made this awkward kid feel like a precious rare jem.
Last night I said goodbye to my beloved Grandpa Earl. He is dieing. If I were able to write a script for the best way to die I couldn't out do the perfect way God has designed for my grandpa. His death will not be a sudden, unexpected shock. His death will not be painful, long, burdening. His death is surrounded by loved ones. His legacy. His future. Some of us cousins had an incredible experience with him last night were he suddenly became alert and we surrounded him with stories of thankfulness and told some of his old jokes that made him smile. My cousin Jordan shared of their resent talks about how Jordan feels frustrated with the church today and it's sometimes hypocrisy and bureaucracy. Grandpa sympathised with him and said, "Jordan you can't change the church looking on the outside but must change it within." What wisdom. After we were done talking Grandpa simply muttered, "You are all special". Later all the family came in his room and my Uncle Phil led us in prayer. In the tearful silence after the amen Grandpa simply said, "Blessed."
Grandpa go to Jesus. Your glory awaits you.
My grandma Barb and the love of his life, died just over a year ago. She was a queen to him. He showed us an example of long lasting commitment and unending love. I, nor my mom, ever remember him ever speaking an ill word about anyone. I just can't stress enough what a Christ-like life he has lead. He has been a pastor his whole life. And not just on Sunday mornings at the pulpit but his everyday comings and goings.
Most importantly to me. . . What I will cherish as simple as it is, Grandpa lights up every time he sees me. (to be fair he does this will all his grand kids) He made this awkward kid feel like a precious rare jem.
Last night I said goodbye to my beloved Grandpa Earl. He is dieing. If I were able to write a script for the best way to die I couldn't out do the perfect way God has designed for my grandpa. His death will not be a sudden, unexpected shock. His death will not be painful, long, burdening. His death is surrounded by loved ones. His legacy. His future. Some of us cousins had an incredible experience with him last night were he suddenly became alert and we surrounded him with stories of thankfulness and told some of his old jokes that made him smile. My cousin Jordan shared of their resent talks about how Jordan feels frustrated with the church today and it's sometimes hypocrisy and bureaucracy. Grandpa sympathised with him and said, "Jordan you can't change the church looking on the outside but must change it within." What wisdom. After we were done talking Grandpa simply muttered, "You are all special". Later all the family came in his room and my Uncle Phil led us in prayer. In the tearful silence after the amen Grandpa simply said, "Blessed."
Grandpa go to Jesus. Your glory awaits you.
5 comments:
What a legacy your grandpa has left for you. I will be praying for you and your family, and your Grandpa right now.
oh, becca. how sweet. what a wise man. what joy he will soon have with the love of his life, and the one and only God. what praises.
love you dear friend.
Oh man... what a post!
Peace to all of you right now~
Beautifully said. What a special man he is.
I'm always at a loss for what to say when someone is about to lose a loved one. The feelings are so mixed, you'll miss him terribly, but your life has been so very blessed by his presence. To make an loving impact in someone's life is a life well-lived and blessed by God. I know from what you wrote (and by looking at his picture) your grandfather's life was well-lived and truly blessed...as is yours. My prayers are with you.
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