Yesterday was very difficult for our family. The smell of flowers, a funeral home, and having to say our last goodbye to someone we love was still fresh in our minds, so having to do it again made us so weak. We are all emotional tired that it seems as though we are just trying to move in the motions of daily life.
We were blessed to have so many people drive to Grenada from different places to love on our family and say goodbye to Granddad. My mom, who missed her calling as an interior decorator, had lots of old pictures framed, and Grandmom told us when and where each one was taken. He owned a TV repair shop for many years before retiring. He would pick up and return the TV to its owners, and just seeing a picture of that big, white van brought back so many memories for us. I could remember the squeaky seats and the smell of parts. Granddad and Grandmom spent a lot of their early marriage being an army couple, and we were moved to have the National Guard come and respectfully honor Granddad, who loved his country.
But the most honest person at the funeral was Emma who in her innocense expressed her feelings about Granddad. Before the funeral Lori (Magdalena's Loli) had explained to them that Granddad was in heaven with Magdalena now, but when they went through the line and saw Granddad lying there, it was difficult for her to understand. She touched his hand and asked "Will I wake him up?". Then, she lightly touched him again and said, "I don't feel his heart beat.". Lori and Stephen continued to explain to her what was happening, and she was old enough to understand it but not so old where she understood it in its entirety. Throughout the visitation she would go in there and look at Granddad and innocently trying to wake him up. Then, on the way home Caroline and Emma discussed how Dr. Seuss was in heaven with Granddad and Magdalena. (Where did this come from?)
They had never seen Granddad when he was not in his wheel chair, but once when watching a family video they saw him as a younger man, and Caroline exclaimed, "Granddad is walking!". And I let Caroline know that Granddad would be more like the man in the video not as they remembered him because he would feel much better.
Psalms 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
We were blessed to have so many people drive to Grenada from different places to love on our family and say goodbye to Granddad. My mom, who missed her calling as an interior decorator, had lots of old pictures framed, and Grandmom told us when and where each one was taken. He owned a TV repair shop for many years before retiring. He would pick up and return the TV to its owners, and just seeing a picture of that big, white van brought back so many memories for us. I could remember the squeaky seats and the smell of parts. Granddad and Grandmom spent a lot of their early marriage being an army couple, and we were moved to have the National Guard come and respectfully honor Granddad, who loved his country.
But the most honest person at the funeral was Emma who in her innocense expressed her feelings about Granddad. Before the funeral Lori (Magdalena's Loli) had explained to them that Granddad was in heaven with Magdalena now, but when they went through the line and saw Granddad lying there, it was difficult for her to understand. She touched his hand and asked "Will I wake him up?". Then, she lightly touched him again and said, "I don't feel his heart beat.". Lori and Stephen continued to explain to her what was happening, and she was old enough to understand it but not so old where she understood it in its entirety. Throughout the visitation she would go in there and look at Granddad and innocently trying to wake him up. Then, on the way home Caroline and Emma discussed how Dr. Seuss was in heaven with Granddad and Magdalena. (Where did this come from?)
They had never seen Granddad when he was not in his wheel chair, but once when watching a family video they saw him as a younger man, and Caroline exclaimed, "Granddad is walking!". And I let Caroline know that Granddad would be more like the man in the video not as they remembered him because he would feel much better.
Psalms 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
Prayers for your family's grief and may you all come to an understanding of the fullness of joy that Magdalena and Granddad can't wait to share with you.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers
Julie, I don't know what to say other than that we have continued in prayer for y'all's strength and peace and will continue to do so. I love you, friend.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. I am happy you can find a moment's peace every so often during this tough time.
ReplyDeletePraying for you still.
ReplyDeletePraying for peace and rest for you both as you miss two people who you loved so much. Asking God to continue gently carrying you through.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs, Laurie
You are ALL in our thoughts and prayers many times throughout the day and night! Also for your Grandmom and extended family.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to keep you in our prayers. I remember Mr. Walter and Mrs. Mildred growing up. I grew up near Grenada. They were the nicest people. Remember that "All things work for the good for those of us who love the Lord".
ReplyDelete