Friday, April 19, 2013

Bittersweet

Todd's dad passed away yesterday morning.  We are all so happy for him.  He is finally at peace.  

However, you always think it is going to be a relief but it isn't really.  There is such sadness, of course.  A big void.  And you can feel it immediately.  

Today was Grandparent's Day at the kids' school.  I went in place of Todd's mom and as I sat in church with my mom it was all I could do to keep the tears in.  Beautiful prayers were said in thanksgiving for wonderful grandparents.  Songs were sung back at school thanking the grandparents for their guidance, love, support, fun, wisdom, spoiling, and laughter. Grandparents make such a difference in kids' lives and it made me so grateful for the wonderful grandparents my children have, and have lost.

This weekend will be full of emotion.  The wake is on Sunday, which also happens to be Tommy's 1st Communion.  The funeral is on Monday, which is also my birthday. Happy and sad.  Bitter and sweet.  We remind ourselves that at least we know Jerry will now be able to be at these events celebrating with us, and he'll have the best seat in the house.  

I guess if I could say anything I would just want to say "thank you" to Jerry.  Thank you for being such a faithful, Godly man.  Thank you for your warmth, kindness, and gentleness.  Thank you for always having a welcoming smile and a hug to give. Thank you for sharing your love of the outdoors, animals, and the cabin with us. Thank you for your commitment to your family and to God.  Thank you for modeling what a true man is.  Thank you for being the kind of man and father that made Todd want to emulate you.  Thank you for laughs.  Thank you for your stories.  Thank you for all you are and all you gave.  You are loved.  And you will be missed.  But we will see you again.  

God bless you, Jerry!




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18 comments:

Riahli said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. It is, I'm sure, a relief that he is no longer suffering, but so very hard to say good bye to loved ones here on earth. Beautiful pictures, it sounds like he was a wonderful man, and you can tell he was a great father to his son. What a blessing.

Kat said...

Riahli- Yes. To all of it. :) He was a wonderful man, and while that makes the missing part hard for us, it is also something to rejoice. The loss is so great because we had such a wonderful thing. And that should be celebrated. Since you are one who loves quotes (thanks for your comment on my last post) it makes me think of this:

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Wisconsin Girl said...

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was an amazing father/grandfather and that is a true blessing. Praying for all of you. You have some wonderful photos of him and that means such special memories to go with them.

Mom24 said...

Beautiful quote Kat. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.

momto8 said...

wow..so many emotions!
guess you realize faith is such a gift...that is where peace comes.
God bless all of you.
Your pictures are beautiful.

Tabor said...

Such a roller coaster of a time for you. Celebrations and sadness in one small weekend. I cannot send you anything but hope that this time is full of peaceful and wonderful thoughts. Yes, you and your family are lucky for all that you had and have, although right now is may seem empty.

Bijoux said...

That is so sad to coincide with other events that should be happy. I'm glad that your kids had him in their lives, even if for a brief time for the younger ones. I've been thinking about your family and praying. Sending you hugs from Ohio.

lime said...

i am so sorry for your family's loss and yet i am glad you do not grieve without hope. i do pray for the comfort needed in the days and weeks ahead. i am so glad you have rich and happy memories as well as a legacy of love and godliness. it means you miss him more but i hope there is also comfort in seeing the positive effect he had.

hugs and prayers to your family.

nbrsspot.blogspot.com said...

i am sorry for you loss. but hes better where he is. not in pain anymore. get through this and grieve as much as any person will. good vibes going your way and happy b-day if i miss it.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

So many prayers for you and you get through this tough weekend, and the days and weeks going forward.

It's always good to know that a family has faith, and even though it's hard, you know that now he's way happier, healthier and whole then he ever was!

Hilary said...

I'm so sorry for your great loss, Kat. Clearly he was a wonderful and much loved man. You wrote a beautiful tribute for your dear father in law. Hugs to you and yours. Wishing you all the strength to get through the ups and downs of the upcoming events.

Charmaine said...

Hi Kat...been thinking of u for days now...wondering how things were going...my condolences to u and your family at this sad time...wishing u all strength for what lies ahead...esp your kids :(

dawn klinge said...

Holding you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss. He looks like such a kind man in these pictures.

middle-angel said...

I understand how you and your family feels now as I lost my mom last summer, but numerous memories with him would fill in the void in your heart as the time passes. I do really hope so...
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cyndy Bush said...

I'm so sorry for all of the sadness. I hope you're able to still enjoy the happy stuff coming up.
xoxo

Unknown said...

What an amazing Father and Grandfather! I am SO very sorry for your loss, even if he is now at peace. You are right, it is still hard to have that space left empty.

Much love and prayers to you, Todd and the entire family!

Oh, and Happy Birthday, sweet friend.

xoxo

Karen Deborah said...

oh Kat, is it really true, better late than never? I'm just getting around to reading blogs. I've been so busy. You have been going through a lot and as always doing it with so much love and grace. Blessings and comfort friend.

Rima said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Todd's dad sounds like a truly wonderful person and, yes, you *will* see him again.

Words To Live By

Be grateful for each new day.
A new day that you have never lived before.
Twenty-four new, fresh, unexplored hours to use usefully and profitably.
We can squander, neglect, or use them.
Life will be richer or poorer by the way we use today.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
You shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be
encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson