On the day we left, we met them at a McDonalds for breakfast. As we were driving away after saying our goodbyes in the parking lot, I looked in my rear view mirror and caught a glimpse of grandma and grandpa, arm in arm, waving goodbye, and I immediately choked up.
Then I turned to look at C.J. who had also looked back for that last glance, and was crying.
No words needed to be spoken for we both understood the reason for this overwhelming emotion. Would we ever see them again?
Many things have transpired since that July morning in 2004, including moving back up north and being within 3 hours of them which increased our visits to 4-5 times a year instead of just one.
Fast forward to June of 2008. I took a picture of the boys kneeling around grandpa on one of our visits. What we didn't realize at the time was that it would be the last picture they would take with grandpa... the last time they would see him. He died in July.
On Wednesday, as I was taking these pictures, we were all keenly aware that they most likely will be the last. As we tried to keep the mood light and cheery there was an underlying sadness that loomed. Not for grandma, but for us. For all we will miss. A thankfulness for all she has meant to us. For the blessing she has been to our family.
Of course, we all know that God's timing is a mysterious thing... and grandma may still be around at Christmas time (which is our next usual visit) but the decline has been fast and very apparent over the summer so the chances are not good.
For now, we are grateful for our visit and pray for peace and happiness for her.
No comments:
Post a Comment