s. asia

my grandfather.

January 11, 2012 /

Yesterday my mom’s dad, whom we affectionately call Granddaddy, went home to be with Jesus.

Today I am thankful that he died peacefully, with his family around him singing hymns.

I’m thankful that he is no longer in pain.

I am thankful for our amazing family, who has cared for him so well in these last weeks, taking off work, traveling from near and far to sit and keep watch with him in his last days.

I am thankful for the sweet, gentle spirit that he’s had my whole life, and that up to the end he regularly thanked and was a delight to his care-takers in the assisted living center.

I am thankful for his funny, corny sense of humor that always made us laugh and groan.

I am thankful that he prayed every day for his 6 children, 6 children-in-law, 17 grandchildren, 6 grandchildren-in-law, and 10 great-grandchildren.

I am amazed and thankful that even with such a huge family, whenever he heard my voice on the phone he immediately said, “Hi Jules!!!”

I am thankful that though my grandma is left alone in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s disease, she is at peace and has wonderful care-givers there.

I’m thankful for the internet and for our Vonage phone, which enabled me, from across oceans, to say good-bye and to hear his voice one more time.

I’m thankful for his heart for missions, and that he was thrilled that God brought David and the kids and I to South Asia.

I’m thankful for a rich heritage of faith and ministry and generosity.

I am thankful.

But.

I am sad.

I wish I could be with my momma right now, because her daddy just died.

I wish I could be in Florida for the memorial service.

I wish I could hug and cry with my aunts and uncles and cousins.

I wish I weren’t so very far away from home.

9 Comments

  • Cathy

    January 11, 2012 at 10:49 am Reply

    Julie:

    I am sorry to hear about your grandfather – from your description he sounds like such a loving man – but know he is in Heaven and in peace…..

    Cathy

  • Rachel C

    January 13, 2012 at 2:36 am Reply

    What a legacy your grandfather left; to daily pray for his descendants. May the prayers continue through his children and later on through his grandchildren. God will honor your grandfather’s prayers. I pray that God comforts you while you cannot be with your mother.

  • Lauren

    January 17, 2012 at 11:57 am Reply

    Julie, I’m so sorry about the loss of your grandfather! What a testimony, though, of your faith to hear of your ‘thankfuls’ in this. My grandmother died while I was living overseas, so I know the feeling of being far away, unable to do anything for the others who are grieving. Praying that God will continue to hold you up with His grace and enable you to minister to your Mom, even though you’re far away. What a blessing that we do not mourn as the world mourns, but we have a better hope!

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