Friday, July 1, 2011

life in the meantime.


Chris and I went to a yard sale a few weeks ago...

It's Friday...I slept in late. I don't usually like to do that...but I'm thinking I must have needed it. Rather than beat myself up about it...I'm going with it...taking it slow...puttering around the house...

The boys slept in, too...it is summer after all. It's gonna be a rude awakening when school rolls back around...for all of us.

I am still processing the fact that Papa is no longer here on this earth with us...it's so hard to believe. As much as I didn't want to, I believed it when Noni went to be with Jesus. I am figuring because Noni's passing was a family affair, it was such a process, and I had the privilege of being a part of that process. I am so grateful for that time with her...so, so grateful.

Papa's departure wasn't a process...it wasn't a family affair. It was him...and Jesus...and they decided the time...and that was that. There is peace in that, too because we all believe that is exactly how Papa wanted it.

That was a gift... The gift of peace...  God is good...all the time.

In the meantime...family gathers, plans are made, tears are shed, and in the middle of it all there is laughter and gratitude and good times and hugs and memories and love...lots and lots of love...another gift.

In the meantime...groceries need to be picked up, dinners need to be made, kids need to go to practice and parties and games and youth groups. Business needs to be run...gardens need to be watered...and all the while there are the underlying emotions...joy and sorrow, gratitude and peace.

I will always miss Papa. For my whole life. I still miss Noni immensely and it's been two years. I miss my Papa Gene and he's been in heaven for over 10 years. I miss Grandpa Fred, Chris' grandpa (but I claim him as my Grandpa, too!) . I will always miss them...always. Always and forever. They held special places on this earth...and they hold special places in my heart...that only they can fill.

Until we meet again...I'm so grateful for amazing memories of amazing human beings that I am so blessed to call family.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

you were blessed to have them around for such a part of your adult life. My grandparents all passed away before I even graduated high school. I never even met one grandpa - the other one lived in Arizona and he passed when I was in the fifth grade. Needless to say, there wasn't much of a relationship with my grandparents. I am sorry for your loss. Please, allow yourself to feel those emotions as long as you need to. It is okay :) xoxo

MAYBELLINE said...

Wow. Isn't in incredible how someone that influenced you so much is carrying on with you? Truly amazing you were able to enjoy a grandparent for so long. My thoughts are with you.

Nancy said...

you will keep them all close to your heart and think of them many times - - for the smallest or the biggest of reasons. keep their memory alive. share stories. remember. xo

christina said...

you had me at yard sale!! love love!!
xo

pinkpeppercorns said...

Once again, I am very tardy in catching up on your goings on.

I am so sorry to hear of your Papa's passing. As you pointed out, he went peacefully in his sleep. And to live to the ripe old age of 93?! What a gift to him and to you. But I'm sure it's still sad and you must miss him a great deal.

XO