Yesterday, I learned from my aunt that my grandfather, the man who helped raise me, died at midnight Tuesday. He had been bedridden for years, which must have tormented him because he was always a very independent man. Thank the Lord, he was a Christian (in fact, he was a minister) and is now with the Lord and my grandmother. I remember so much about him. He LOVED coffee and wouldn't stop drinking it even when it effected his trimmers. At the house, he'd almost always have a piece of fruit and a paring knife. He'd cut slices, giving one to grandma, one to mom, one to me, himself and the dog. When he went to get gas for the car, he almost always brought me back a candy bar--3 Musketeers was a favorite. He went on three or four coffee breaks a day to McDonald's or the like and met up with other old men. It seemed he knew everyone is our large suburban town. Heaven Scent donut shop became a favorite of his. He'd go there daily and bring me back a donut when I was home during college. When my cousins and I were young, he'd tell us imaginative bedtime stories that would make us laugh (they hardly worked to get us settled for bed). He had his strict streak too. If he heard us talking and giggling during bedtime, he'd come in with a flyswatter. Ouch! He was truly a man of God. If I had a biblical question, I went to him for answers.
I wasn't expecting to write this much. I mainly wanted to express how great God is because when I went to his Word for comfort, my Bible opened right up to Ecclesiastes 7. These are the first four verses:
"A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.
And the day you die is better than the day you were born.
Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
After all, everyone dies--so the living should take this to heart.
Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.
A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time."
God is amazing!!!
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Thanks for this post. In reading about your Grandpa several things reminded me of my own Grandpa who passed when I was 16. The verses God sent to you are good to read as well.
ReplyDeleteSweetie, I'm so sorry about your grandfather. I've lost both of mine and I know it's going to hurt for a while. I'm glad that you are finding so much comfort in God right now. He will heal you better than anyone else. :)
ReplyDeleteI love you whole bunches, Becca. If you need anything, you know my number.
I'm sorry about your beloved Grandpa. Very reflecting each and every single word you say. Very touching, and again, thanks so much for sharing and helping us grow in God's love.
ReplyDeleteBecca, You know it is a praise that Grandpa has gone on to be with God. He was such a wonderful man who worked far beyond for the glory of God. I think my road to discovering God would have been a lot harder and longer if it hadn't been for his influence on you. I can see him now, just cutting up apple slices as he slowly moseys down the hall to us playing Super Mario Brothers 2. I can see him pulling up to pick us up from church. He was a good man with a faithful heart. I miss him and I'm praying for you and your family.
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