He started with nothing but a wife, a daughter, a dream, a hard work ethic and a strong faith in God.
and that's where his adult life began.
I entered it after his hard work had paid off, his dreams and prayers were fulfilled far beyond what he could have imagined, his family had grown and his faith in God had not wavered.
He didn't have prestige or fame, but he had titles that meant the world to him and those around him: Husband. Dad. Brother. Uncle. Boss. and most significant to me, Grandpa.
Even though he lived miles and hours away from me, he played a big role in my life. his example of faithfulness in small things, faithfulness in marriage, faithfulness in God...have all impacted me more than I realize.
(Grandpa and Grandma, Alaska 2006)
His love for music and his encouragement to get me started in playing violin are two things that I will hold near to my heart forever especially as they play out in my life.
His health was never 100%, but that didn't stop him from working, playing, leading, singing or praying. His body deteriorated, but his heart and soul belonged to the Lord. He was a fighter, and proved it up until his last breaths upon this earth.
As I sat by his hospital bed, taking in the sight of this once-strong man, now frail and weak, struggling with each breath, a host of memories and thoughts washed over me. Oh how I would miss the sweet gruff voice tell me, when I was in a huff about something, "Now suzy, don't go away mad...just go away."
How my heart longed to once more see him pick up his worn fiddle and by memory play with Grandma, "Now has come the Time of Parting" or "I'll be somewhere listening" and watch him sway with the music.
deep in thought, I barely noticed his hand reach toward me from the bed, and when I placed my small hand in his big, gnarly one, he squeezed it tight and didn't let go.
I flashed back to being a little girl, grabbing grandpa's hand as we skipped out to the car with my brother and he'd say, "here we go, suzy and joe!"
and that's where his adult life began.
I entered it after his hard work had paid off, his dreams and prayers were fulfilled far beyond what he could have imagined, his family had grown and his faith in God had not wavered.
He didn't have prestige or fame, but he had titles that meant the world to him and those around him: Husband. Dad. Brother. Uncle. Boss. and most significant to me, Grandpa.
Even though he lived miles and hours away from me, he played a big role in my life. his example of faithfulness in small things, faithfulness in marriage, faithfulness in God...have all impacted me more than I realize.
(Grandpa and Grandma, Alaska 2006)
His love for music and his encouragement to get me started in playing violin are two things that I will hold near to my heart forever especially as they play out in my life.
His health was never 100%, but that didn't stop him from working, playing, leading, singing or praying. His body deteriorated, but his heart and soul belonged to the Lord. He was a fighter, and proved it up until his last breaths upon this earth.
As I sat by his hospital bed, taking in the sight of this once-strong man, now frail and weak, struggling with each breath, a host of memories and thoughts washed over me. Oh how I would miss the sweet gruff voice tell me, when I was in a huff about something, "Now suzy, don't go away mad...just go away."
How my heart longed to once more see him pick up his worn fiddle and by memory play with Grandma, "Now has come the Time of Parting" or "I'll be somewhere listening" and watch him sway with the music.
deep in thought, I barely noticed his hand reach toward me from the bed, and when I placed my small hand in his big, gnarly one, he squeezed it tight and didn't let go.
I flashed back to being a little girl, grabbing grandpa's hand as we skipped out to the car with my brother and he'd say, "here we go, suzy and joe!"
("Freeze for a picture Grandpa!" it was
a typical Grandpa-caught-off-guard face!)
Tears filled my eyes. What precious memories. How I wanted to re-live them again. For him to regain strength and come back to us.
But how could I want him to stay here on earth when he was SO close to heaven! peace suddenly flooded my whole being as I realized how incredibly blessed my Grandpa was! in a matter of days he was going to be seeing Jesus face to face. Talking with God, walking on the streets of gold, and maybe even striking up a song on the violin with the heavenly hosts! I was jealous.
Time will pass, the grief will subside, but the memories will linger, along with the heritage and legacy that he has left for his family, friends and church community. A minister from my grandpa's home church put it well. He said that Grandpa was a pillar of faith who had stood strong for many years, serving God faithfully, working toward the goal of eternal life for the past sixty-some years.
I learned a lot about death this past week. But it wasn't how devastating the loss could be...it was how God can be glorified in the passing of a Soldier of Faith from this sad, dark, hurting world to a place where there are no more tears, suffering or night.
Praise be to God for his unspeakable mercies and lovingkindness.... His praise will continually be on my lips....
But how could I want him to stay here on earth when he was SO close to heaven! peace suddenly flooded my whole being as I realized how incredibly blessed my Grandpa was! in a matter of days he was going to be seeing Jesus face to face. Talking with God, walking on the streets of gold, and maybe even striking up a song on the violin with the heavenly hosts! I was jealous.
Time will pass, the grief will subside, but the memories will linger, along with the heritage and legacy that he has left for his family, friends and church community. A minister from my grandpa's home church put it well. He said that Grandpa was a pillar of faith who had stood strong for many years, serving God faithfully, working toward the goal of eternal life for the past sixty-some years.
I learned a lot about death this past week. But it wasn't how devastating the loss could be...it was how God can be glorified in the passing of a Soldier of Faith from this sad, dark, hurting world to a place where there are no more tears, suffering or night.
Praise be to God for his unspeakable mercies and lovingkindness.... His praise will continually be on my lips....
