My Grampy

This morning my Grampy Walter was finally granted the peace he so much deserved.   For all of his hardships in life, he was a man with love in his heart and he tried very hard.  He had been slowly slipping away for many years now and I think it was divine mercy that freed him.  I believe in Heaven and in God's mercy, so I believe he is experiencing Amazing Grace!

I remember him taking me fishing at a pond when I was a little girl.  I think my sister was with us that day too, but I'm not sure.  I remember that he was so kind and so patient with me.  I must have been very, very young as I only remember the stocked pond, us walking along beside it, and that, although a tad shy, I was very comfortable. 

Years after that, when I moved back from New Brunswick, he gave me a special gift.  He had bought a necklace with a heart shaped pendant. It had my initial in it and there were gold flowers on the heart as well.  It was beautiful and one of the most meaningful presents I'd ever received, not because of monetary value, but because he chose it just for me and he wanted me to have something special just from him!  On my wedding day I added that heart shaped pendant to my bouquet, so he could be with me since he was unable to attend due to his health.  I wanted to show how special he was to me by finding some way to include him.  I don't know if others noticed, but that didn't matter.  It mattered that I knew!

Grampy Walter had many struggles, but I also know that he's not struggling anymore.  He is at peace now and that is something I consider a blessing. 

I am holding my family close to my heart today.  Being across the country from them is difficult in times like these, but I knew that was part of the deal when we moved.  I know that they are holding each other up and caring for each other, but my heart still breaks for them...