Saying goodbye...

I feel terrible that I have neglected my writing so...but it has not been avoidable...

We had a great sadness in our family this week, our Grampa...and Daddy's father, passed away after a long illness.

It was one of those bittersweet events in that we're so thankful that he is no longer struggling with pain and the growing list of seemingly insurmountable complications.  Truly we rejoice for him that he is with the Father and enveloped in peace and joy!  Yet no matter how we "knew" it was coming...still the loss is so great.  Our hearts are further pained that not all of us could return for his funeral.  This is a painful burden of being Here...we want nothing more than to be with our whole family...grieving and supporting each other.  As it is, only Daddy and The Bug (selected by a random drawing) join our two oldest kids to represent all of us There this week.  The rest of us are staggering through finals week, the end of Term frantic details, and planning for our departure for retreat that arrives mercifully in just 9 days.

My mother-in-law has been a model of faithfulness and service all the years that I've known her.  Sadly for the past ten years or so, their lives have been oriented around my father-in-law's medical needs.  My heart is heaviest for her during these days to come as she has lost her companion of 53 years.  By her example I have learned so much about commitment.  She has fought like a titan for his care, comfort, and to maintain as much normalcy in their lives as possible.  I am truly inspired by her devotion and selflessness.  In my world, I see very few examples of such love.  Please lift her up with us during this time.  She is experiencing that "peace that passes all understanding"...but the transition nevertheless will have its burdens to bear.

Daddy, the Rockstar, Butterfly, and the Bug are bearing each other up during this time.  Please lift them up as they go through the visitation tonight and the funeral tomorrow.  Our hearts ache for the missing of all of them.

Hug all those you love today and shed light on those dark warrens of unforgiveness in your heart...the people in our lives are only on loan for awhile....