similarity

I remember when I was in college at a friend's birthday celebration I inadvertently burned my wrist on the exposed handle of a fajita skillet.  At the time, it hurt.  It did.  I had suffered a severe burn...my guess is a Second degree.  However, it wasn't until several days later that some say my nerves began to regenerate that my arm was hurting in such a way that I wanted to cut it off.  I called my Nana crying in desperation seeking condolences, advice, and relief.

As the initial shock and exhaustion are beginning to subside. Grief takes full hold.  I feel a similar way again.

priceless gift

This is the second post in a series of three.

I have reflected and shared of the many things that Grandaddy did in denial of himself for me.  I retold the story of the many Fridays in 1997, 1998, and 1999 in which I would call Grandaddy immediately following the completion of my final class on Friday afternoon around noon.  I would tell him of my desire to come home and ask him to come get me from college.  He would simply respond "I'm putting on my shoes...".  I could gather my belongings, watch the clock, and meet him downstairs upon his arrival in front of the dorm.  He did not delay when I called.  He was reliable, without a complaint.

Later, my sweet friend, Sue penned this poem in honor of my relationship with Grandaddy, the specific story, and the memories that I shared with him.  It touched my heart.  She provided a priceless gift.  A new memory to replace images I wanted to forget.

Grandaddy

As God reviewed His Book of Days

To see who next to call,

He scanned the pages one by one,

Reviewed the work of all.

“This is the one; let’s bring him home,”

He stated to the Son.

“He’s fought the fight and finished well;

His work on earth is done.”

“The final threads are all in place

My tapestry’s complete.

Once more I’ll claim the victory,

And death will know defeat.”

So when your Grandaddy heard the call

He knew just what to do.

He quickly rose and gladly said,

“I’m putting on my shoes.”

before you, with you, and never forsaking you

This is the first post in a series of three. 

Before I knew when my world would be rocked by the sudden passing of my Grandaddy, God knew.  It is encouraging to rest in the  faith that it was not a surprise to Him that Grandaddy's last full day of life would be Wednesday, October 13, 2010.  Not only was it not a surprise, but he had been preparing my path for that very morning.  Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 6:39 A.M.  When I would meet one of my most dreaded days.

October 10th: He prompted me to do laundry, which I forgot in the dryer giving me clean clothes later in the week.
October 13th: I was provided with volunteers who assembled math games and copied generic worksheets for my sub folder (just in case).
October 13th: I was given the ability to work late into the evening preparing documentation and other items so the classroom would be prepared in coming days.
October 13th: The car ran out of gas prompting a complete fill-up.
October 14th: I had already eaten breakfast and prepared myself for the day prior to being notified of the news that would change my world as I previously knew it.

This is only the events I recognize within the week.  Numerous other examples go back to September, June, January, and uncountable months...years in the past that provided relationships, knowledge, faith, and peace during these difficult days.

"...It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8