saying farwell

Today we said goodbye to my children's last surviving grandparent, a World War II navy veteran. I can't describe the incredible ways his and his bride's lives poured love into our family.

Scot Peck, MD wrote that he believed good parents should be listed as a means of grace. This was certainly true of these kind and generous people. Their prayers were foundational for their children and grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.

As a new bride they welcomed me with open arms and we shared tears and laughter. The last time I saw Granny was at my own mother's funeral and she was not well then. She passed away a few years later and Grandpa missed her so very much. When I saw him recently he spoke of missing her more with each passing year and his longing to be at home with Jesus. 

Now he is home and we could not wish him anything less.

I'm grateful my children have such a wonderful person to mourn, for that is part of living too. They taught us much, these people Tom Brokaw wrote of as "The Greatest Generation." I pray we live before our grandchildren with the same faith, hope, charity, love, mercy and kindness as they demonstrated so clearly for us.

​We are infinitely better for knowing you and loving you and we do indeed thank God with every memory. God speed and farewell.