Thursday, February 04, 2010

More Tears...

Saying good bye is never easy, I guess it isn't supposed to be. It could be tempting to wish for all the things that never were rather than be thankful for what one did have. I pray my family can find something to treasure in the life of the man they knew so little of and yet who was such a big part of their lives.

I am thankful for the man whose name lives on in my husband and my son. I am thankful for the opportunity to watch him years ago help my husband fix his tie before a family wedding, for the unexpected phone calls late at night, for cards exchanged, and emails sent and received. I am thankful for the few times I had the chance to meet him in person and the little ways I see him in my children; bushy eye brows, a cleft chin, Bethany's congenital cholesteatoma that gave her a special connection to her grandpa, and an avid love of cars in my boys.

Grandpa Jim was not a particularly religious kind of man, but we know that God sees the heart of each one and He does not make any mistakes. We are asked only to trust that He makes wise choices and so, though our hearts are hurting once again, we give another loved one into the hands of the God.

14 comments:

  1. I am so sorry for your loss Martha and for the tears that your family will be shedding. My prayers for much comfort during this season of loss.

    Blessings, Bob

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  2. Thank you for your prayers, Bob, they are much appreciated.

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  3. Martha, I was struck with Kansas Bob's comment on the seasons of loss. Your family has certainly had a season.

    I too prayed for your father-in-law while he was alive, and now for the family, the grandchildren and those that loved him so. You are so right...we just leave them in God's mighty hands.

    Loving you....
    Wanda

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  4. Mart, this really touched me. I love the way you can express yourself in words. It is so beautiful, and captures my feelings so well. I love you so much.

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  5. Martha and James, I am so sorry for your loss. It must be so painful to lose another loved one just 4 months after losing Dad. I will be praying for you guys. I love you.

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  6. Rachel, Judi, Wanda, thank you.

    Kim, I love you too. My heart is hurting with yours. Keep us posted on what is happening.

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  7. Martha, I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Brenda

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  8. Martha, I am so sorry for all of you. I am praying for you as you deal with another huge loss in a short amount of time.

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  9. That was just lovely. I'm so sorry!

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  10. Oh Martha, ... I am sorry, too.

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  11. Thank you also, Brenda, Heather, Priscilla, Betsy, and Gudl.

    Brenda, I caught your note on the snowstorm story. I'm glad you decided to share the story to start with. Thank you. Maybe one day I'll venture out your way and see the original painting.

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  12. Martha, I am so sorry! Hugs to you...

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