On Monday, my sister, April's, father-in-law passed away. While it was not completely unexpected, it seemed to be sudden. Jim was a godly man; he is in heaven rejoicing now, free from the pain of this world. I asked Casey yesterday if she thought Grandpa Jim was in heaven telling Uncle Ryan all about how we were doing and all about Jessie (who was born after Ryan died), she got a big grin on her face and said "yup". Please be in prayer for April, Steve, Jack, Casey, Charlie, Jessie, and all of Steve's family as they are grieving the loss of a dad, husband, and grandpa.
For me, all the emotions come flooding back as I stop to think about his wife and all that she is facing. The ache and loneliness of living life alone. The nights lying in bed and not hearing the steady breath of her husband sleeping next to her. The lack of companionship at dinner each night. My heart is so broken for her! I know that it will be hard to be at the visitation and funeral later this week. It just brings back so many memories! My heart hurts for those who loved him most.
Ryan's birthday is also coming. The anticipation of Disney has helped to process through some of the sadness, but as March 2nd moves closer, my heart aches to celebrate Ryan's 29th birthday with him. I am sure that he would LOVE teasing me about the fact that I am in my 30's and he is still in his 20's.
An update on the kids (by request):
- Both kids seem to be feeling much better. The coughs and runny noses are pretty much gone -- yay!
- They have both given up naps for the most part, although they still get rest time each day to help restore my strength (and sanity) to make it through until bedtime.
- They are super excited about Disney. They will dance around the house singing "we're going to Disney!" and they tell everyone (including strangers) that we are leaving in a couple weeks.
- I realized yesterday how big they are getting when I was watching my niece, Jessie. She was standing on the floor looking up and me and she was so far away! I can't believe how tall the kids are getting -- especially Wyatt. He is starting to need 5T pants for the length!
- They continue to love going to AWANA Cubbies and learning their bible memory verses.
I will try to get some pictures up later this week, I don't think I have taken any in over a month! Thanks for your prayers for my sister's family and for me as we journey through this emotional week.
2 comments:
Hugs to you, Kristin, and to Steve's family. It breaks my heart that you have experienced such loss, my greatest fear. Continually pray for you guys. Laurel sent me a gift via my parents when they came to visit. It was a story he wrote in elementary school, and I just laughed so hard (and teared up too!) reading it. Glad that both Ryan and Steve's dad loved the Lord and are in his presence together!
I will be praying for you and them all. I can relate to how someone else's loss can hit home and bring up many intense feelings. We can't help that. But I do feel that his wife and her children will be able to sense your real, sincere, genuine love and care for them. That will be a gift to them. They know that you know what they are going through. I will be praying for you as you go this this touch week Kristin.
Sara
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