Goodbye, Papa

 Tuesday, my Papa passed away suddenly. This week has been one full of emotions and memories. My Papa was a man loved by many, me included.  He was a picturesque grandfather.  He always had time for his grandchildren and taught each of us countless life skills.  He taught me to drive, he attended everything that I took part in, and since I have had my own family, he often took us to dinner or visited during the day to play with the kids and encourage me in motherhood.  Each time I saw him, he told me how much he loved me and how proud I made him.  He made me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world, often to a point of embarrassment. He was not just a special person, but a very big part of my life.

It is never easy to loose a loved one, but God has continued to prove himself faithful and good to my family.  There have been so many acts of love and miracles in the midst of tears.  We are not forgotten, but loved more tenderly at this time.  My Papa is rejoicing in heaven and for that, my heart can only rejoice as well.   Just three days before he passed away, we spent the afternoon together and small details of that day are so clear in my mind. I have a sweet bouquet of flowers on my kitchen table that he brought me that day, each time I look at them, I am reminded of his love. God has heightened my, already fond, memories of him and I have those to cling to and pass on to my children and grandchildren.  I am sad that he will no longer show up unexpectedly at my door in the afternoons to play with, read books with, or love on my children.  I'll miss his hugs, the way he reassuringly squeezed my shoulder, his smile, and having someone call me Addy, but I am comforted by my hope in seeing him again one day!

To the many of you who have called, sent emails, cards, texts, flowers and prayers for my family and I... thank you! Jesus has shown his kindness to me through you.

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of Brad's grandfather passing away. We were very loved grandchildren!