Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Saying Goodbye

 This was on Grandpa's bed at the nursing home after he passed away.  Seeing this picture was the first time I was able to truly grieve and yet rejoice at the same time.  

Psalm 91

 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, 
   my God, in whom I trust.”
 3 Surely he will save you
   from the fowler’s snare
   and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
   nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
   nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
 9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
   and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
   no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
   to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
   so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
   you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
   and show him my salvation.”



This past month we said goodbye to Grandpa.  I will miss the wink in his eye and him squeezing my hand.  I am thankful for the lessons he taught us about life and faith.  The memory of Grandpa and Grandma doing devotions together every morning is a true testimony of their faithfulness.  Psalm 91 was his favorite...he was truly satisfied with a long life.  The memorial service was a wonderful time with family and being able to share memories.  The memory of the funeral I will hold most dear is listening to the gun salute and the trumpet being played, which sent me to tears.  When I looked over to Ben who was being held by Ryan, he was the one who wiped my tears away.  I love that kid.  This picture was taken at Thanksgiving, which was the last time we saw Grandpa!  Love you Grandpa...you are truly missed.

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