Three years ago on Memorial Day weekend, my kids would see their Great Grandpa for the last time. That spring I had spent many a night at the hospital. It was a very hard time for our family. My Grandpa was said to have passed on, only to be a "miracle" and survived. It would be God's gift to us. During that last month stories would be told by hospital bedside. Smiles would be cherished and I will never forget Grandpa's last "I love you." He even surprised us all by coming home. We went to see him Memorial Day.
I would see him once more in the hospital, before he died. But that Memorial Day weekend would be the last for my kids. The picture above is of Kayla at his funeral. The flag had already been removed, folded and passed on to my step grandmother. However, this picture has always touched my heart. My young baby struggling in her grief. I can't help but wonder what she was thinking that day.
My Grandpa was a soldier. So many old pictures of him are in uniform. He served in WWII. He saw plenty of action, lost many friends, but never wanted to talk too much about it. It was easier that way, I guess. I've seen "Saving Private Ryan," so I've spent many years only guessing what our soldiers went through. Now that I've had friends who have seen the battles in Iraq and Afghanistan and who can share first hand their experiences, well I've come away in total awe of the men and women that serve our country.
I know this was an odd post. But it was heartfelt as I typed. I am feeling thankful today.
Thankful that there are soldiers that have more strength than I could ever imagine. ( Remember, I have trouble killing a spider, people!) Soldiers that know what true sacrifice really means. Hearts that totally believe in their country and what we hope it still stands for.
I can't do much. I could never be a soldier. But I can pray. I can pray daily for the men and women who give up their lives for me every day. I can pray that their sacrifice will not be in vain, both for me and our country and for them. May they know great faith in our Lord, so that they can say "the battle is the Lord's!"
To those who have drawn their last breathe in battle for me...I honor you today. For those who have lost dear ones...my heart goes out to you today. And for those still fighting...I will pray for you today.
And may you come home safely. May you live with pride over having served your country and fellow man. May you live to be great fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends...and even grandfathers.
I still miss you Grandpa!!!
5 comments:
Wonderful and timely post, sweety!
Your grandpa would be proud of you.
I love you.
Aunt Jo
What a wonderful picture, both of your daughter and the one you painted with your words of and for your grandpa. My grandpa was a WWII vet, too, and didn't care to talk much about it (he was a POW-- I can't even imagine the atrocies). Though he did keep a journal nearly every day of his life, until he was no more able to sit up and write.
Delighted to meet you! Thank you for sharing, your heart, your passion, your faith. We just returned home to be with my grandma as she danced into eternity and to honor her at her memorial. My little 7 year old simply smiled and said "I can't wait until it's my turn"
Blessings from this missionary mommy,
Sarah Dawn
I look forward to reading more and getting to know you.
Girl,
You should prepare a girl for this kind of thing. I had no idea that this is what I'd see when I clicked on your blog tonight.
Now I'm crying. Because that picture always makes me cry. And so does remembering that whole experience. I still miss him. Like crazy.
Love you.
Sis,
A great post and moving reminder of a time that was heavy, except that we had assurance of his presence with the Lord and loved ones gone before him.
Thanks,
Jim-Dad
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