My mom called this morning to tell me my step-grandpa passed away early this morning.
It was expected….yet not.
Are we ever really ready to let go?
He was 91 and had Alzheimers. He didn’t know any of us for the past 3-4 years.
He knew the Lord, so I know he is in a better place now.
But he sure leaves a big hole here.
I remember when he married my grandma–the day after we got married! He took such good care of my grandma. They traveled and did many things she couldn’t do the last 10 years of my biological grandfather’s life due to his illness. They worked on the crisis prayer line at their church for years. They often took people in, helping them out. Most never came back to do anything for them, but they didn’t care. They were investing in God’s Kingdom.
I remember when I was down with one of my miscarriages, Grandpa and Grandma came down to my home, visited with me, brought me food, and cleaned my house. I mean they cleaned my house! I distinctly remember Grandpa taking a pen with a cloth over it and going over ALL the baseboards in my living room, dining room and the stairway to dust it! This is old woodwork with all the nooks and crannies that it’s famous for!
It was probably the first time it had been done in 40 years, and it hasn’t been done since!!! 
Servant-hearted. God-loving. Prayer Warriors. That’s how I’d describe both my grandparents.
I’ve missed him, as he hasn’t been himself for the past 4 years. And I’ll miss him more.
Life.
People get older, pass on.
Sometimes, they don’t get a chance to get older. They go straight to the arms of Jesus from the womb.
That happened 19 years ago today.
Our firstborn son, Noah Ross, went from my womb to Heaven sometime between September 6-7, 1990.
He was born into this world, in body, on September 8.
On his grave marker, no dash.
No memories, but those of flutters and kicks and flips in the womb.
No pictures of birthdays or holidays or just-goofing-around days. Just an ultrasound picture from early on. And some pictures after he came into this world, although they are not good enough to hang on the wall, to commemorate that a son was born.
How my arms ached to hold him then! I held him just a short little while before giving him up, but the days, the weeks that followed were so hard.
But my Jesus walked with me through that valley.
Then "birthdays" would come. Sometimes I’d bake a cake, other times just go to the cemetery. I know exactly where he is buried behind that stone. Even now.
Yet….he isn’t there! He is with my Savior–the One Who died for me….for Noah Ross….so he could go straight to Heaven.
Now I think….a 19 year old young man….he would have graduated this year….probably be working with his daddy……what would he be like?
Many times since I have been in the Bubble of His Grace…..and He carries me now.
Carry me, carry me, won’t You carry me now
I’m too weak, and fragile, to walk on my own.
I’ll rest in Your love until once more I can stand
To journey beside You, and follow You home.
~Carry Me by Christine Wyrtzen
Today. A day of memories. A day of good-byes….for now.
But also, a day of Eternity. Today great-grandson welcomes great-grandfather Home. Step-son-in-law welcomes step-dad Home. Jesus welcoming His servant Home with a "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
Life.
It ebbs. It flows. Like a river, it never stops. It may slow for awhile, but then it rushes on.
We dip our feet into it, trail our fingers in it, willing it to wait for us…..to savor these moments just a bit longer.
But it pays us no heed.
We take the memory of it with us, holding it close to our hearts until that day when we never have to part again.
Thank You, Sweet Jesus, for the hope of Eternity….the hope of seeing our loved ones again, both young and old.
when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
~Thornton Wilder~
I'm so glad you were able to write a little of what you are going through, Trisch. That was beautiful. What a precious gift and treasure the people in our lives can be.
I liked the song by Christine Wyrtzen. One of her songs is one of my favorites. It was actually a poem written by a young woman who was deaf and her parents put her in a mental institution because they thought she was mentally handicapped. I can't think of the name off the top of my head!! Although, I am humming little bits and pieces. I sang it in church once…a LONG time ago!
Lots of HUGS
Jennifer (just7)
Trisch,
I cried with you as I just read your post about Noah Ross and your Grandad. {{{{HUGS}}}}.
Everything you said was very comforting for me also. Thank you. I am praying for you, and your family.
-Carol
Thank you for sharing these beautiful and personal thoughts. What a testimony to your grandmother to nurse two husbands through illnesses that took their lives! Praise the Lord for your family. And may He continue to comfort you in the loss of your son. I just lost a child through miscarriage in the last couple of weeks myself. I was comforted by your sharing.
–Gena
Trisch,
That was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.