Rest in Hope.

Memories with Grandpa ~

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Thank you so much to each one who has prayed for our family over the past few days. It has been an incredible journey. Our precious Lord is so faithful.

Last Saturday night, we were enjoying dinner with some old friends from Chicago. When the telephone rang, I answered. It was my grandmother. Grandpa (my dear mother's father) had been admitted to the hospital the day before, diagnosed with pneumonia. Two years ago, Grandpa had a horrible fall which left him very weak. He could not walk anymore, or talk without great effort. It was very hard on him - they had a buzzer on his wheelchair to notify the nurses when he tried to get out. When we visited him, it was hard for him to carry on a conversation.

On the telephone, Grandma said that Grandpa had a wonderful day. Friday night had been a struggle, but on Saturday, he been able to sit up and talk! We were so excited for him.

Thirty minutes later, Grandma called back. Grandpa had asked if he could lay down. Jesus carried my grandpa from that hospital bed to the gates of heaven. We quickly packed and left for Indiana early Sunday morning. About 5:00 that evening, we arrived. Instantly, funeral plans were focused on.

On Monday, we went to Grandpa's room to pick up his things.

(Grandpa's chair.)

(Grandpa's glasses.)

The funeral had been scheduled for Tuesday. However, a blizzard was also scheduled for Tuesday. :) Our funeral director refused to allow us to postpone the funeral for the weather. It was very frustrating, because there was so many people who could not come because of the blizzard.

Dad and Mom were very frustrated, but since it was out of our hands, they encouraged us kids to trust the Lord and praise Him, even if no one showed up.

Almost 100 people braved the storm. The small funeral home was about to burst!! Christian love is so special ~

I have never experienced the loss of a family member before and I never fully understood why people sent flowers at funerals. But, being on this side of things, everything is so different. I almost burst into tears when I saw all the flowers that had been sent. The last three days, our mailbox has been full of cards. Food and meals seem to fly from everywhere! It is hard to put into words how special it is ~ it is so neat to see the evidence of love and prayers through the actions of others.

Grandpa's funeral services were beautiful.

(Grandpa's Bible.)

(Grandma clutching Grandpa's flag. My grandpa served in the Korean War...)

The blizzard set in as we drove from the funeral home to the cemetery. Looking back, it is absolutely comical.

Here we are - a family who has not experienced a real snowstorm in years. A family who packed last minute and completely forgot all snow wear - we had no boots or hats. Snow was falling rapidly around us. I only packed my little Mary-Jane style shoes and a light rain jacket. As we headed towards the place chosen for Grandpa's earthly body to rest, we were walking in a foot of snow (definitely a first time experience for me!) Anyway, somehow my shoes flipped off into the snow and so I was searching for my shoes with only tights over my toes. By the time I found my shoes, they were so full of snow that it was actually warmer to leave them off. Livy had a similar experience, only she did not have tights on. Our family just looked at one another and laughed. Dear friends around us were probably thinking, "these crazy southern girls!" as they offered us their earmuffs and mittens.

Under a little green tent, within the cemetery, in the middle of a snowstorm, the choir sang "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." The wind whipped around us. I will forever cherish that memory - saying good-bye to my grandpa in the middle of a snow storm. It really was so beautiful.

(Flowers from Grandpa's casket spray.)

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Our great Uncle & Aunt invited us to stay with them during our time in Indiana. Time and time again, they patiently showered the love of Jesus on us. How we treasure every moment we spent with them ~ they are very dear to our hearts.

Their home was so lovely... They live within viewing distance of the highway, but with the storm, we could not even get to the highway! So, we were snow-bond together in their home. :)
We had so much fun. Below, we were playing "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?" Tommy won. (He's in 2nd grade.) Now, how did that happen? :)

One evening, they invited their grandchildren over (which would be our second cousins). They mentioned having a taffy pull. I have never pulled taffy before in my life - but I hear people talk about it often.

It was neat to learn how it's done. I wish we could do it down here, but I do not think the air gets dry enough. ---

And of course, the snow was galore. Tommy could barely wait to go out in it. The snow was just so gorgeous. There is a pond on their property, and it was frozen one foot solid! Of course, there was snow on top of the ice too...The pond is between the pier and the trees, below. Gazing from their windows, one feels like they are in a true winter wonderland! "Come on out, it really is not THAT cold!" :)

Sledding down the interstate by-pass hill ~ Rosy & Tommy helped our uncle plow snow...they loved it. ---

9 days ago, I would have never imaged any of this - the death of a dear grandparent, the experience of a snow storm,the precious memories made, the love others have shown, the hope of knowing Grandpa is with Jesus, the joy of knowing Grandpa can walk. It has been a beautiful week. What a journey ~

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We spend our years as a tale that is told...The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalm 90:9 & 10.

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Hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him....ye have taken and crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning Him: I forsaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore, did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope. Acts 2:22 - 26

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"If Grandpa is with Jesus, and Jesus promises to never leave me; we can't be far apart."

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"Today, I received such dreadful news; my mind between despair and fear is tossed. I feel so helpless, so completely lost. Deep within my heart, a gentle, reassuring voice I hear: 'Have you forgotten, tender child of Mine, that I have promised always to be near? The things of earth cannot your spirit feed, nor can earth's surest blessings be secure. The things you think you've lost were never yours, for only things eternal can be sure. The superficial ground beneath your feet has never been the ground on which you stand.

Today your feet will feel the Solid Rock and know the strength of My unholding hand.

Today your troubled heart will feel the peace that passes understanding here below:

Today the joy that fills your emptiness will be a joy untouched by earthly woe.

Today the comfort deep within your soul will spring from My unfailing love alone;

Today your strength will grow from simple trust in what My mighty, all-wise has done.

Today you'll learn a secret known to those who've faced the loss of every earthly thing -

For in this day, you'll find I'm all you need: and from this day, a sweeter song you'll sing."

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Praise be to His wonderful Name!

Resting in hope,

Nikki