Today we said goodbye to GG. Hannah and I are still in UT but we were with the family in our hearts and prayers.
He has been Grandpa to me for well over 30 years and GG (short for Great-Grandpa) to Hannah since the day they met! Oh how I love this picture! It was taken the day after we came home from China and was the first day that they met one another. Can you say, ‘Love at first sight?’
I knew before we left on our vacation that it would be a miracle if Grandpa were still with us when we returned. Although he wasn’t able to talk and often slept through our visits, I stopped for a quick chat on my way to work each morning the last week we were home. Last Thursday in the early hours of the morning with his family around him, GG breathed his last. He is now in the arms of Jesus and is whole again!
Grandpa was a man of God and touched the lives of more than we can count. His home was open to all; his heart was open to hear anyone’s concerns and His prayers called you into God’s presence each time he lifted his voice in prayer. He was a special man to all who met him, but most of all to his wonderful wife and 3 amazing daughters! This picture was taken today as they celebrated Grandpa’s life at his memorial service. Oh how he loved his girls!!!
Daddy and daughter love.
There are so many precious memories of Grandpa! Back in 2009 when he was hospitalized for an extended period of time, he and I spent each evening together. We did some crazy things like bake in the cafeteria and ate more than our fair share of donuts, ice cream sundaes, blueberries and pie together. Precious, precious times – even though I’m sure there were some times that he thought, ‘We’re going to do what??!!!’ 
From the moment they met, Hannah and GG were smitten with one another and loved sharing time together! Each Sunday she would gently take his hand and lead him to the lunch table. When asked who was going to say grace, she’d immediately get a big grin on her face and happily shout, ‘GG!’
I wasn’t sure when I would tell Hannah about GG’s death and thought I might wait until we got home from our vacation but I was really teary this morning and didn’t want to concern her. We were snuggled in bed and it seemed the perfect time to share that GG was now in heaven with Jesus. She was sad for a bit and we talked about different things but then she said with a big smile, ‘Mommy, GG will always live in my heart!’ Awe!! Yes baby, he will!
Tonight she told one of her little friends in the car that her GG was now in heaven and that he had a new body that could run and play! GG played the saxophone and when we were at the San Francisco airport last week we saw this display of saxophones so we took a picture for him. He didn’t get to see it but I know he would have liked seeing his baby girl in this pic.
As I was looking back and finding pictures today I found this little video of them playing together. It captures their love and relationship so well!
We love you so much Grandpa and we miss you already!! xoxo
‘Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvellous deeds.Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.’Psalms 71:17-18
Grandma and Grandpa. They shared 69 beautiful years of marriage together!
Praying for you Grandma, Nana, Auntie Japhia and Auntie Joy. We love you. xo
So, so sorry......such a lovely post for such a GENTLEman. He will without a doubt live on in your hearts. What a blessing to have such beautiful memories. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your loss Catherine. It's never easy, but even worse when you are away from home. That last picture you posted of them is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry Catherine. Sending your heart a gentle hug.
ReplyDeleteCathy and Hannah...thank you for writing such a beautiful tribute to dad. What precious memories daddy shared with you...you truly were "family" to him and I know you loved him with all your hearts. He adored Hannah (and you too Cathy) and you both ministered to his heart in different ways. Cathy you were often with dad when we sisters couldn't be there, "filling the gap" which was just like dad's earthly ministry. Hannah brought such joy to dad...oh how he always lit up at the sight of children, but extra joy in the precious little ones who were close to his heart like Hannah. Thank you for the countless ways you gave to dad. I love you Cathy, and look forward to time with you when you return...sharing memories, laughter and some good ole tears too :-) Thankful for the gift God gave of not only Hannah's adoption, but unofficially adopting you as "grand-daughter" into our family as well. You are a blessing.
ReplyDeleteHugs, love and prayers,
"Auntie" Joy
Ahh Cath - Crying too much to comment well. Daddy surely did love you and Hannah!!!! His heart was so big, and his love reached to so many, and he will be so missed!!! I'm pretty sure he would want us to have chocolate together when you get home, to celebrate his life and the legacy that will live through our lives as we walk this journey to new places of joy, Daddy's lingering presence with us ... Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful ..... faithful to the Savior Daddy called Lord,.... faithful to the relationships that God has given us .... faithful to our calling .... faithful til we see our Savior face to face, and then never know separation for all eternity!!!! Love you Cath, ...Thank you for your prayers and love! Hugs to you and Hannah! Love Japh (aka Auntie Japhia!) XXOO
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of a great man. May he rest in peace and you have comfort in knowing he is with the man above now, free of pain. Precious memories you will have for Hannah as she grows older.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss Catherine. My thoughts are with you and Hannah.
ReplyDeleteBecky
I am very sorry for your loss. I have seen and read about him on your blog and know he was a very big and special part of your lives. I am sorry also it happened while you were away from home. It is so good you had the daily visits with him the week before you left. I am sure that meant so much to him and was a source comfort.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful memories you have with your Grandpa. The 1st photo you have of Hannah & GG made me cry. Seeing the video of them reminded me of my Pappaw Patterson, who passed away 30 years ago. He would clap & my brother would dance. How great that you have this video of them that you will treasure forever. I'm so sorry for your loss. Knowing that GG is in heaven is such a comfort in a sad time. Love to all your family from a long time blog reader.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to such a special man.
ReplyDeleteHugs and peace, my friend.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I just lost my grandmother, so I can completely understand everything you are feeling right now. Sending you big hugs and praying for you, Hannah and your whole family.
ReplyDeleteI can see in his eyes that he was compassionate, kind and intelligent. And handsome, too! I am sorry he had to go. I love how you do so much to keep your bonds strong with family and friends. It was so great to see you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful man and memories.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that GG passed away. I love reading about your strong family ties and all your family journeys. I desperately miss my grandparents--there's nothing like the love of grandparents. Hannah is very fortunate to have great grandparents. You and Hannah are in our thoughts and prayers. Safe travels home.
ReplyDeleteAs a reader of your blog I want to let you know we shall be praying for your family in the death of such a wonderful God Loving Man !! Blessings,Cathy In Illinois!! (mom to 17 yr old sweetie from China)
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