Today I got the phone call that my dear sweet Great Grandpa went to be with the Lord last night in his sleep. I am deeply saddened, but so glad he didn't pass away in a lot of pain. I am so glad to know he is in heaven now with his Savior and free from any need for medication or oxygen. Isn't it such a joy to have confidence in life after death. Knowing completely that if a person accepts the free gift of salvation the Lord has given us, he/she will be with Him for all eternity in paradise. There is such comfort in knowing your loved one has accepted this wonderful gift, even in the midst of sadness!
I am so thankful to have had the privilege to know not only my grandparents, but also my great grandparents. "Grandpa" Hilliard had recently celebrated his 89th birthday. Over the years he had numerous "close calls," including a couple heart attacks and fluid on the brain. We used to call him the energizer bunny because he kept going, and going, and going......
I have so many fond memories of "Grandpa" Hilliard. However, my fondest and most vivid memory is the time he flew out to Colorado, only a few years ago, to spend a week with our family. I don't think we've had that much laughter and crazy jokes in our house since then. His laughter was so deep and contagious! We loved to the hear the story of him forgetting his suspenders when he went to Walmart and losing his pants at the front of the store as he reached for something on the top shelf. He did, however, have a belt on and it prevented the quick fixing of his mishap. He never forgot those suspends again! He loved the outdoors, and up until recent years, would spend many hours with a hose hand-watering the grass!
My parents and sisters were able to visit him in Oregon this past August when they went to celebrate my grandparent's 50th anniversary, his daughter and son-in-law. It was so much fun talking to "Grandpa" on the phone and hearing his wonderful laugh. My only regret is my husband never got the chance to meet him. I'm confident they would have got along so well and would have had lots of long fun talks.
Please pray for my parents as they make decisions regarding travel to Oregon and the funeral. Especially pray for my grandma, Norma, her sister and brothers. The funeral will be on Monday.
I will always remember his hugs. The last hug I got from him about3 months ago in OR he nearly knocked me off my feet literally! Like you said, Laura, he had the best smile and laugh ever! And he sure loved his kids... all of them including the great, great grandbabies...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see him again one day and get another of his super special hugs!
Miss you already, Grandpa! ~Jenni
Laura ..what a sweet picture. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but am so glad to hear that he is with the Lord. What a special relationship that you had with him - that is a sweet blessing!
ReplyDeleteI remember that story so well. He always loved to tell it with actions too. It was a sweet blog about him. He always had that special smile too. I will miss that smile.
ReplyDeleteTiffany