This morning around 3:45 a.m., my Grandpa Staples went home to be with the Lord. At the age of 92, he lived a full life. The viewing is supposed to be on Monday evening and the funeral should be on Tuesday (but could end up on Wednesday) in Rockford, Illinois. Mike is still flying home tonight. I've changed my flight until next Thursday to give me time to make it back home with the family even if the funeral is changed to Wednesday.
In the last few days my sisters and I have talked about our memories of Grandpa from when we were little. He was a teaser. Our greatest joy when visiting was to purposefully walk past "Grandpa's Chair" where he was sitting and have him reach out and snag us with his cane. Then we would scream and laugh (as if we didn't know that is what would happen). He also had a really cool masculine bathroom at his house. We all would purposefully use that bathroom just because it was his and hope that as we were coming out he would catch us using his bathroom and tease us.
One of the biggest areas of competition in our family comes in the area of board games. The family favorite is Parcheesi and Grandpa was always the king of Parcheesi. Once I hit college age, Danelle and I came up with a new strategy for Parcheesi and we began winning most of the games (until others started picking up that really the new strategy was the best). So now, I oh so humbly believe that Danelle and I become the reigning queens of Parcheesi.
I will miss Grandpa. I truly have been blessed that at the age of 31, I still had all 4 of my grandparents alive. Unfortunately, I believe that this is the beginning of a long road of these events coming. I wish that our future children would have had the opportunity to meet their great-grandpa. But you know what, despite all of that, I'm thankful that Grandpa is home. He doesn't have to deal with the pain and discomfort any more.
Thank you for your prayers. I would appreciate them in the next several days especially for my Dad, Uncle David, Aunt Mary, Uncle Phil and Aunt Judi. Please pray specifically for my Aunt Judi. Her husband passed away a few months ago after a hard fight with cancer. Her mother-in-law passed away suddenly several weeks ago and now her Dad has passed away. I know this has been a rough few months for her.
5 comments:
Oh, Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family during this next week especially--I know it will be hard.
You have sweet memories of him. Cherish them, so that one day you can pass them on to your children.
Let us know if there is anything you or Mike need, and we'll do our best to help you out.
Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. We will certainly be praying for you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
What a blessing that you have fond memories of your grandfather and you were all able to share them with one another. We will continue to pray for you and for a safe return. We miss you and can't wait to see you again.
It is difficult to lose a loved one, but knowing that he is with the Lord must be comforting to you and your family. He is seeing his Lord face to face. We will be praying for you and your family and look forward to seeing you again.
Sandra, we are so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. What a blessing to already be with your family during these times and what a peace to know he is home now. The Lord's timing is always so good. We will be praying for you and your safe return.
Post a Comment