My grandfather ended up passing away a week ago today at 6:40 in the morning.
The Lord allowed me the privilege of having the last conversation with my grandfather. It was the Sunday before his death. That afternoon I found him in the lunch room sitting at a table all by himself. My heart sank like a rock in water. As I came into his view he turned and looked at me. Then his face lit up into a bright smile from ear to ear. He said to me "Boy you surely are looking sharp today. You're all color-cordinated. The only thing you need is a tie clasp." I had just come from church. As we sat there he enjoyed a couple glasses of red kool-aid, which he offered me some. He told me he liked being there, especially in the dining room because the workers would get him anything he requested. He was very nicely dressed, 'classy', and topped with one of his favorite 'Yale' styled summer caps. What is most important about this time with him is what I got to say to him, for I knew that the end was near.
I started off general. I told him that everyone loves him and wants him to get well. Then I told him that I love him very much. I thanked him for all that he has done for me, teaching me a strong work ethic, the importance of history, of writting and doing the best possible job. He really shaped me as a man. He just looked at me and smiled. I came over to him and we hugged and I kissed him. After a while I wheeled him back to his bedroom where he had trouble getting out of his chair. So I helped him up and layed him in his bed. It didn't take long for him to close his eyes and drift off into a deep sleep. I stayed there watching him for over fifteen minutes. Then I left. What I didn't know is that he would never again wake out of that sleep.
Oh how we never know the time when the end will come. We too could very easily take a nap and never wake from it. After that happens, then the judgement. Are you ready for that? Or have you wasted your affections, emotions, and desires on loves of this world that you will one day have to cease to love. It will all be nothing at that point; it is all already passing away. The only thing that will matter is what is done for Christ. That is what will truly last. That is what will really count. May our lives truly be described by the Apostle Paul "For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain."
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1 comment:
Dear Michael:
The girls showed me your blog and I need to tell you that we saw Grandpa as well that Sunday evening. We had a good visit. That is the evening that the girls took the picture of me and my Father. He was laughing that evening and trying to get out of bed. I think he quit talking the next Monday morning.
You have written a very nice piece and very good memories. Love, Aunt Patty
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