My beloved grandfather said his final words. He saw a lot of people standing on the other side of a frozen river. They had on robes. He also stated that he saw grandmother there too. When my aunt asked him whether he was going to cross the river, he said, “Yeah. I am going to cross it.” After that, he said that he was ready to go home. He did not explain whether he was referring to his earthly or Heavenly home. He just said that he was ready. My aunt said “Dad, I love you.” He looked at her and said, “I love you too.”
We were in line outside the church preceding the funeral service of our grandfather. He looked so peaceful there, like he was sleeping. His 88 years of life service had come to an end and he left with a laugh and a smile. The meaning of family became real to me as I reflected on the same memories of grandmother when she left this earth seven years ago.
His home-going was not only to celebrate his life, but also to celebrate what he left behind. He helped create and raise twelve children with his wife of 60 years. Each child with his and her unique personality traits; carried his name and his identity. The grace and leadership it took to lead a family that size were his definitive trademarks. He left a memory of what it was like to be a father who protected, covered, and loved his children as his Heavenly Father instructed.
Grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren total to almost 90 in number. We represent the legacy of what began generations ago. We carry the untold dreams and aspirations of what was in the heart of our grandfather. We also carry the dormant gifts and talents that were ordained by God. We know from whom we were granted the gift to look at life experiences as humorous lessons.
Our grandfather chronicled most of his life on paper. It was as if he knew that one day we would be destined to read it. From his head, to his heart, and through his fingers, he wrote the seasons, the days, and the events that had shaped his life on earth. As we read through those sacred pages, it was like going back in time and capturing his experiences in several snapshots.
Grandfather left us many love letters in the form of memories and pictures, with all the stories that go with them; a strong faith, with the knowledge of a God who will never leave or forsake his own; and a passion for writing in those who will honor his life by carrying on the gift of self-expression. Thanks for the love!
Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7: 9 (Amplified translation)
Teresa Barlow, LCSW - Associates in Counseling
