Life came to a pause this last week.
I received the phone call that I was reluctantly expecting from my mother.
It was time to head up to Michigan where I lived until the age of 14.
The blog, decorating, and projects had to be put on hold. The gazillion emails had to be ignored. It was time to unplug.
There were last minute flight arrangements to be made, the fridge needed to be stocked, appointments had to be rescheduled, and the hubs needed mama’s master instruction book since he was about to be a solo-dad of 4 for several days.
My grandfather had died and I wanted to attend his funeral.
He lived for a very blessed 98 years. 98 years! Isn’t that amazing?
We always hoped my family would be blessed with the good genes my grandfather possessed. He loved coffee and danishes, and never touched a green veggie, and was rarely ever sick. Amazing indeed.
My father died just a few years ago and being at the funeral seeing all of his 5 siblings grieve, this time for their father, brought the flood of emotions of my own loss back again. The cold and rainy weather certainly didn’t help my feelings either.
The visit to Michigan allowed me wonderful time to visit with life long friends who I love as much as family. They distracted my mother and I’s sadness with touring beautiful areas I haven’t seen in over a decade, lazy outings filled with laughter and sipping salted caramel cafe mochas in bohemouth sized cups, and fun afternoons of boutique shopping.
Great friends are golden!
Speaking of golden…. this big guy is Gandalf, a golden doodle with the happiest, most loving disposition I’ve ever seen in a dog. He would joyfully greet me each morning and bring a much needed smile to my face. He is a ray of sunshine! I considered dog-napping him. 😉
At the end of the raining few days, the skies cleared momentarily to reveal a glorious sunset over the lake. It was like a little gift from God, reminding me that even though we experience sadness and death, He has the answer for eternal life with Him through Jesus. My father and his father and mother are now reunited. Who wouldn’t rejoice in that?!
Time to celebrate life, for tomorrow is a new day.
Kim
I’m so sorry for your loss. These tough times remind us of what it really important. I’m so glad you got to spend a little time with friends and be reminded of that love that you are surrounded by. I am sending you prayers and hugs.
I’m so sorry for your loss…even though he was 98, it’s still so hard to say good-bye and to let go. I hope the trip was a good one for you!
Beautiful post, Kim. I’m so sorry for your loss.~~Angela
So sorry for your loss. Its never easy to lay someone to rest. Prayers to you and your family.
Im so sorry for your loss, my grandparents were from England and both passed away when i was just entering highschool. They were a great inspiration for me and my Grandfather taught me about Gardening and told me stories of his life. My Grandmother taught me how to sew and cook and so much more, all the life lessions. They are both dearly missed, but i know I will see them once again in Heaven.
My heart goes out to you in this hard time,
Hugs,
Jennifer
I’m so sorry for your loss, Kim! It sounds like he was a wonderful grandfather and that you have so many memories with him. Hugs!
“reminding me that even though we experience sadness and death, He has the answer for eternal life with Him through Jesus. My father and his father and mother are now reunited. Who wouldn’t rejoice in that?!”-best part of your post
And reason to celebrate although I am sure he will be missed!!!
God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus gives us comfort to know we will be reunited with our loved ones again! Prayers for you and your family!
So sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was fortunate to live a long life, not all get to enjoy those many.
I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for a lovely blog. Blessings
So sorry for your loss Kim. My thoughts and prayers to you and yours in this time of loss.
Hugs, Gee
I’m sorry for your loss. You were so lucky to have your grandfather that many years.
Beautifully written 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m happy you were able to travel to be with your family for the funeral and spend time with your treasured friends… Take care.
Kim, so sorry about your Grandfather. WOW 98…how amazing to live that long and see what he has seen and been through. We can only pray to be so lucky. I’m sure you have many good memories to hold onto so he will always be with you. Thinking of you!
I am so sorry for your loss! I have to say, I have had some of the best times with my far-flung family after funerals. Just goes to show, every cloud might have a silver lining.
Dear Kim and family,
Sending you beach blessings from the west coast. I’m so sorry for your loss, but it sounds like your grandfather was blessed with 98 years of life! Wow! The sadness is always going to be there, but it will lessen (as you already know) and be replaced with smiles and good memories.
God bless you!
We all look forward to seeing what your next project is, when you feel you’re ready for it 🙂
Ahoy!
Oh, Kim, I’m so very sorry for your loss… I hope you’re taking comfort in your many memories and knowing his life was well-lived. Glad you had the love and support of good friends — hugs to you and sending prayers for you all.
xo Heidi
I am so sorry. I pray peace for you and each one whose heart is hurting.
so sorry for your loss.
Time is the great healer, but in the meantime I know that you are comforted by the fact that your grandfather was a believer. One day you will all be together again. In the meantime, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family at this sad time.
I appreciate your witness through this blog. We want to keep our loved ones with us, but you know that one day we will all be reunited in His presence! Remember that tears are healing and ok. There will be no tears in heaven. Good bless you and your family.
Sending BIG HUGS! So hard to say good-bye for now, so glad you had family and friends to wrapped their arms around you!
Kim, How wonderful your Grandfather lived such a long life! My Grandfather died when I was 15. I still miss him to this day, as I learned so much from him. I hope that soon tears will be replaced with happy smiles as you remember good times with him and your Dad, but for now, tears are a good thing. I am happy that you were able to travel back to be with your Mom and the family. Peace to your heart.