5 years....feels like a lifetime......

5 years ago I was booking an emergency flight to Cleveland, OH on my way to say goodbye to my dad. Since then, we have also said goodbye to Chris' grandmother, my aunt and unfortunately, just 5 days ago, my grandfather (more on that when my thoughts actually have time to process).  Also, withing the past 5 years, God has granted us the privilege of raising 2 beautiful boys.  I find myself looking at them and interacting with them and wondering how Dad would react to them at certain times.  So many things they do already remind me of Dad.

Ever since Grandpa passed away on Tuesday, I have had a scene that keeps replaying in my mind.  I have this vision of dad (the way he looked back in his 20's & 30's) standing at heaven's gate literally jumping up and down and "giddy" like a little boy waiting for Grandpa.  With no apprehension of what others may say, no hard feelings about the past, no pain or sorrow; nothing but pure love, they run to each other and embrace while jumping up and down so happy to be together.  Dad grabbing him by the hand and with child-like enthusiasm running him all over and showing him everything.......don't get me wrong, I am the first to admit I have absolutely no clue if that is how it goes or not, but just knowing that they are now reunited is so comforting and exciting.

We did a memorial slide show for Dad and because of electronic issues, I was never able to copy for others and actually didn't even have access to the photos until 1 month ago (thank you Chris for fixing).  When I look over this short little shot of my dad's life, it reminds me of how much he liked to "grab life and go".  He was never one to just sit and watch life just pass by.

Although my Dad only had a personal relationship with the Lord for the last few years of his life, he will be living an eternity with God and I know that I will get to be with him and all of my saved loved ones very shortly.  There is ABSOLUTELY nothing more consoling when someone you love passes away than knowing this. I got to see God change my dad's heart, change his demeanor and change his life.

(please remember to pause music on right hand side bar)