Memorial Service

I drove to Illinois this morning to attend Grandpa Tom's memorial service. I was unable to get to know Grandpa Tom well because he and Ryan had infections in their lungs that were contagious for each of them. The one thing that I remember most from the time I was able to spend with him was unbelievable outlook on life. Grandpa Tom first got sick in November 2005 (just 4 months after he and Grandma got married) and he has been in and out of the hospital ever since. I never heard him complain. He was always encouraging others. He was always asking how Ryan was doing when I would call to talk with Grandma. Grandpa Tom was so selfless!

I could not help but think of Ryan and Grandpa Tom walking the streets of gold together today as the pastor spoke about heaven. We sang the old hymn "I'll Fly Away" this morning -- I look forward to my time to fly away; to my time walking those streets of gold; to meeting my Savior face to face; to being reunited with Ryan.

My heart hurts today. For Grandma. For Me. For Everyone who has to face the sadness of losing someone they love...

I'll Fly Away
Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away.

To a home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away.

I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away.

When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away.

When the shadows of this life have flown, I'll fly away.

Like a bird thrown, driven by the storm, I'll fly away.

I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away.

When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away.

To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away.

I'll fly away, O Glory, I'll fly away.

When I die, Hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away.