Tuesday, November 5, 2013

On his way home (11-4-13)

My sweet grandpa went to be with Jesus last night.
I am so incredibly blessed to have had this man in my life for 28 years. He was the type of grandpa that any little girl would have been lucky to have. Even though he lived in another state he was always at every grandparent's day event, every graduation, every birthday party and holiday. He and my grandma would send cards just to tell me how much they loved me or how proud of me they were. He loved his family and he loved the Lord with all his heart. 
This weekend our family gathered together from all over to say their goodbyes. Even though my grandpa was tired and weak he made sure to tell each grandchild how much he loved them. He always knew how to make us all feel special. 
Driving in on Saturday I wasn't sure what to expect. My mom had been with him for a few days and said he wasn't very responsive, but what I walked into that afternoon I will never forget. My grandparent's pastor had come to visit and when Drew and I walked in my grandparent's room my aunts, grandma and the pastor were circled around my grandpa's bed singing Amazing Grace. What I did not expect to see was my grandpa doing his best to sing with them. That moment was such a gift to me.
While my grandpa will be missed by all of us I am so comforted to know that he is happy and free from pain in Heaven. My Aunt Kathy found the letter below while going through some of my grandpa's things from the war. The letter below is the letter he wrote his parents when he found out he was discharged from the service and we thought the message he wrote on the front was so fitting. I know my grandpa was saying these same words last night as he went to be with the Lord.

31 comments:

The Heart Of A Woman said...

I am sorry for your loss. I can tell he is an incredible man!

Jess said...

Oh, Allison, this is such a beautifully written post. I'm so sorry for your loss...you & your family are all in my prayers. Your Grandpa sounds like he was such a wonderful man!

xo

Unknown said...
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Melissa @ Amelia Lane said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Allison. Losing a grandparent is very hard, but you're right when you say he isn't in pain - that thought is what helped me in grieving the loss of my grandparent. Your grandpa was a great man. You and your family are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

You caught me on an emotional morning and I'm all teared up right now. I am so saddened by your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs.
-Amy

Anne said...

Thinking of you and your family - this is such a lovely tribute to your grandfather.

Betty said...

Such a beautiful post. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. Sending prayers your way.

Carrie said...

What a beautiful note to find, that made me tear up! So sorry to hear this, I'll be sure to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Jessica M. said...

Such a beautiful note. I'm so sorry! You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Natalie said...

My prayers are going out to you and your family this week Allison!

Erin LFF said...

So sorry to hear of your loss, friend. It's never easy, but knowing he is happy and at peace helps. Love ya!

Brittany said...

I'm so sorry, Allison. I'm praying for and thinking of you and your family. What a wonderful tribute to your grandpa and I'm so happy you got to witness that special moment.

Katie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Allison. We just lost my aunt from cancer at the end of October and I know how much the loss of a family member hurts. Thinking of you.

Jena Roach said...

praying for you and your family, sweet friend!

Unknown said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your post is beautiful and I was really struck by the first photo with your grandparents hold hands. They look like wonderful, sweet people.

Katie Did What said...

What a sweet post in memory of your grandpa!! What a comfort it is to know that he is home, with Jesus! And you'll be reunited one day! :) Praying for you and your family, sweet girl.

xo

Susannah said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! What a blessing to know that death is not the end! Your grandpa is rejoicing with Jesus right now!

Devon said...

I'm sorry for your loss Allison. I can tell he was a very special man and a wonderful grandfather. It's so nice knowing he is in such a happy place now. Sending love and prayers.

Becky said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Allison. He sounds like such a sweet and loving grandpa! I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories to remember him by :) I lost my grandpa back in July. He wrote an autobiography a few years ago and I re-read it this summer. It helped a lot and something I will always treasure.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you and your family, Allison.

Katie said...

i'm so sorry allison. what a legacy your grandpa left. he sounds like an amazing man! so glad you can rest that he is with jesus!

Tara said...

You have me in tears! That is such a beautiful post, and you can just feel from your words how much he meant to you. I am so sorry for your loss!

Katie Cook said...

Allison...what a legacy your grandfather left! I was in tears when I read this girl...your grandfather was an amazing man. And he is ADORABLE! Seriously, that letter was so cool!

Elena Alice said...

He sounds like just a gentle-hearted man full of strength from Jesus. I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold you in His comforting embrace as you remember this wonderful man who really is on his way home.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet, sweet grandpa :) He looks like a such a wise man.

My condolences to you and your family. Sending all my love. xoxo

Katie said...

Wow, what an incredible and strong man. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like such a special time that you were able to spend with him in his last days.

Alycia Grayce (Crowley Party) said...

Melt my heart. Bless your family. What an incredible man!

The Lady Okie said...

This sounds so similar to how I felt when my grandma passed away. That note is so sweet. So sorry for your loss, but it's such a comfort to know he's with Jesus :)

Rach said...

On his way home indeed! This made me cry. It's obvious how much love there is in your family. I love that he was trying his best to sing along with Amazing Grace. What a beautiful testimony. This reminds me of when we lost my grandmother in many ways. She too was a wonderful Christian person who loved her family. I know it's hard. Even though you know he is home and without pain, it's still hard for those left behind. Love you, Allison.

Care said...

Oh my sweet friend.. this was such a touching beautiful post...that picture of them broke me down.. what love and dear dear sweetness...
Will be praying for you through this really tough time... lots of love!

Megan said...

What a beautiful post. I'm so sorry for y'all's loss. I'm grateful that y'all can take comfort in knowing that he is resting in heaven!!