There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Last June, we were finally told that we would be able to take our children across state lines for a trip. It quickly became a planned trip to see my grandparents for Thanksgiving. I haven't seen my grandparents in probably three years. The last two years, we haven't really gone anywhere without the children (except for a promise that I made in my elementary years to attend a wedding). When we go on a trip without the children, they feel left out and excluded part of our family. We are very much a bonded family and it hurts to see them feel that way.
Over the summer, my grandfather's health has gotten worse. He has spend many days in and out of the hospital since August. It seemed early on that this maybe the last Thanksgiving my family might get to spend together. However it has seem to become further and further from happening. He is doing so poorly that our family has been told we cannot go to Arkansas to visit. I feel very disappointed and sad that I won't be given the opportunity for one last hug. I won't be able to say a good bye. My dream of my grandfather meeting my children is disappearing before me. I know that he would love them and enjoy them. My grandfather taught me so much about "pulling legs" that I know my children would think he was so much fun.
It's just become a time of reflecting. I am trying to hold on to the memories of my grandfather's love. I remember the countless summer's that I've spent in my grandfather's RV. They took me camping and fishing. I loved going to Jelly Stone and playing shuffle board with him. The took me to see Mark Twain's boyhood home and to Branson, MO to see the shows. I've been to Silver Dollar City with him too. My grandfather loved to play cards with me. He even taught me how to play poker. He would play Chinese checkers with me often too. Grandpa would play with my pound puppies with me when I was younger and often baked with me. I remember when there wasn't any school or it was the last day of school, Grandpa would say "school's out school's out the teacher let all the fools out". He did so many great things with me.
Something that always brings my grandparents to mind is Christmas. Grandma would bake so many cookies and the family would all decorate them. I remember getting up late at night (or at least it was dark out) and seeing their family room lite up with Christmas Lights. Grandpa would be playing his Christmas records (yes, vinyl). The one song above all others that reminds me of that night is Jingle Bell Rock.
I love you Grandpa. I pray that the Lord of Comfort be with you always.
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