Friday, October 31, 2014

Grandpa Jim

My very sweet father-in-law passed away this week.
 He was a man of stature who loved his family dearly.
We will all miss him so . . . 


He lived a life of 88 years.
The past 2 1/2 weeks have been an emotional roller coaster
but we were so fortunate to be in his home by his side through it all.

A card arrived in the mail for him on the day he died 
from his granddaughter Amanda with this verse enclosed.
It gave such comfort to us all.

Romans 8:38-29
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love."


As we travel the 2 1/2 hour trip to his home many times over the past two weeks I can’t help but compare the beauty of fall to the end of Jim’s life.  On our first trip the Allegany hills were vibrant and ablaze with color.  Each trip found more leaves winding down their glory and falling to the ground. On the day he passed the trees were ready for a winter’s rest.  This imagery just seemed to speak to his final days – a delicate balance between life and death - reflective and significant. Now, the promise of spring . . .

Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, 
not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
Martin Luther

9 comments:

  1. Im so sorry for your loss, but this post just radiates the man that he was and to know that he is now with his Saviour is a blessing and comfort indeed. A beautiful post.My husbands step father passed away last week, we too are sad but joyful that he will be with his Saviour too.May you know Gods comfort and peace at this time

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  2. What a beautiful tribute. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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  3. So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to your father in law! Praying for your family at this time.

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  4. A beautiful post honoring Grampa Jim- we had a Grampa Jim too.
    Glad you were able to spend time with him in his last days and you have found comfort in God's Word.
    Blessing to you and your family as endure the loss here-- knowing you'll meet up with him again one day.

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  5. My deepest sympathies on the loss of a loved one. May you be warmed by the sweet memories and comforted by the peace of the Lord.

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  6. I am sorry for you loss. It is never easy losing a loved one. He was lucky to have so much attention. I liked the comparison of the leaves turning to the dying process. Just like a rebirth in the spring, I believe we will live again together.

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  7. I offer you my sincere sympathy. What a lovely tribute you made to him, and what a promising and hopeful verse your granddaughter had in his card. Loss is always so difficult, when it involves people we love so much. I wish you peace as you walk through the next weeks without him.

    Your tree picture is gorgeous!

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear of your father in law's passing.
    Big hugs
    Kris

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