4.03.2010

In memory.

I'm not sure the direction this post will take as I sit down to write it.

This has been a weekend of feeling community with other believers. Of contemplating my oldest turning 5. Celebrating birthdays. Celebrating life. Contemplating the enormity of grace. Anticipating the beautiful morning that will dawn in a few hours.

In the midst of that, it's also been a weekend of sobering news. Grief.

On the way home last night from a beautiful celebration of a dear friend's birthday... sitting outside 'til late, with lit candles and laughter and live music, and sleepy, sleepy babies, I got a phone call from my brother to call my dad.

My grandpa, the one who always said, "Come here and let me hug your neck;" the one that has called me "Miss America" from the time I was a wee one, through my awkward teenage years, throughout my pregnancies, and even now; the one that loves to talk about education and politics and history; the one that travels all over the U.S. multiple times a year; the one that was still enough of a kid to have a lifetime Disney pass (he somehow got in on some deal back in the day); the one that played so many rounds of golf with my dad....

he passed away, suddenly, unexpectedly, out of the clear blue Alaskan sky, yesterday morning.



Dad was so broken when I talked to him. My dad isn't the type of guy that likes to show that side of him a whole lot. It kind of shakes you to your core, even when you are grown up and understand grown up emotions. Even when you know we are all human. It still shakes you to hear your dad so broken, so lost, so sad.

So tonight, my heart is struggling. I am grieving for the loss of Grandpa, but I'm also grieving for my dad. I cannot imagine losing a parent. I don't know exactly what he's feeling right now. I am praying for him to get some brief relief from the sorrow, some merciful rest, and most simply, some comfort.





16 comments:

  1. oh. my heart breaks for your family. I understand what you are going through. I will be praying for your family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Im so sorry about this, and wish i could make you feel better.
    My beloved Papa passed 18 months ago and was the hardest time of my life and still upsets me daily, so i know how you ar feeling and its not nice.

    my thoughts are with you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  3. Prayers for all of you during this hard time V. I'm so sorry to hear this news.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Virgina, my heart just aches for you and your family. Your grandpa sounds like an amazing part of your family.

    My prayers are with you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  5. i am so very sorry for you and for your family. i will keep your family in prayer, and pray for strength and that you all feel His love wrapped around you.
    erin yamabe

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so sorry Virginia. I lost my dad just before Christmas in 2003 and I know how difficult the holiday is while the grief is still fresh. Thank goodness for kids ... you can be sad but you just can't wallow when you have little ones excited for the Easter Bunny (or in my case, Santa).
    I'll be thinking of you family. ((((( Hugs )))))

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a lovely tribute. I wish your dad and all who loved your grandpa comfort and peace. I am so very sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh Virginia I am so sorry. Praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh V, I'm soooo sorry! What an emotionally confusing time! Know that I love you and am praying for you. You're on my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  10. OH V! I'm so sorry for you and your loss! My heart hurts for you and I'm praying for you and your dad right now.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pur sympathies from our house to yours, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

    sally

    ReplyDelete
  12. Praying for you and your family, my friend. I am so sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Virge, I am so sorry. I know that grief is so hard, and mixed with so many things, so so hard!

    ReplyDelete
  14. What sweet memories of your grandfather! I'm so sorry your family is experiencing this loss. Our prayers are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm so sorry Virginia. I will certainly pray for you and your family. That kind of grief is so hard.

    ReplyDelete
  16. My prayers are with you and your family Virginia.

    ReplyDelete

I'm so glad you decided to leave me a comment today! Thanks for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the world. :)

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin