How Do You?

You wake up each morning, and see the love of your life? The person that God has chosen for you to spend the rest of your life. The one you have a family with, the one you have shared each moment with. How do you face a day with that person not by your side, how do you survive? You are brave, like Grandpa, Thankful and, well... it won't be long till they are together. Together in each others arms, the place that they have been for the the last 70 years.

I know that I am the emotional one in the family and oh, how I am trying so hard to be strong. But I must say that this year so far has been a rough one. In January we lost Grandpa Jack and in February, we lost our little one, then comes March and now we have lost Grandma Dorothy. Please Lord, bring better things for this year, why must it be like this? I really hate this part of life. I know and I understand, ....but I really hate this part. I know that in Heaven, all of these special people are waiting for us there, their arms open wide, but I miss them. I hate the thought of Grandpa and Grandma not seeing each other's faces. Not sharing that special time of holding each others hands, constantly.

If you were every so lucky to have Grandpa drive you in one of his Lincoln's or the Jag, then you would have noticed that they were always holding hands. Even if you sat in bed with them, their favorite place, then again you would notice that they were sharing a moment and holding hands. They always referred to each other as Momma and Daddy and what proud parents they are. The children that they have raised, are nothing to be ashamed of, they all are successful, have families, children and they all love the Lord.

Lord, Thank you for making Grandpa so strong...to even imagine facing this day. But knowing that he is at peace at knowing that Grandma is not suffering anymore is such a blessing. Why can I not get it in my head that this is a wonderful blessing?Maybe it is just the emotional me. Maybe it is because I can't picture them not being together. They have been married for 70 years, that is longer than some people live. I can only imagine. Alan and I have been together for 13 years and I can't and don't want to even image a day without him. Lord, please make me be strong. Bring me strength.

Some of my favorite moments with Grandma Dorothy are...

...taking all of the pillows off of their bed and riding them down the stairs to the basement. I even remember several times that we piled them high in the bath tub in their room. The things that you can get away with being one of so many grandchildren.

...being a young child and having Thanksgiving at their home on Miles Ave. There was always more than enough food and we all had a hand in it. I also remember the year that the boys all cleaned the kitchen and as they did this, they sang songs. What a beautiful sound this was.

...another wonderful memory as a child and I really think that this is why I am a clean freak. Well, Grandma used to tell me that she would give me a quarter to comb the fringe on her carpets. We would walk into the kitchen and in this special drawer was this calico colored comb. I would then get on my knees so proudly because I was given this job and made sure that each piece of fridge was in its place. Oh, I so remember doing that job so many times, and I thank my Momma for giving me that precious comb just a few short months ago. I will forever cherish that one tooth broken calico comb. Thank you for teaching me that a clean home is always a happy home, Grandma. The lessons that you taught all of us, at such a young age will forever be cherished.

...oh how I will forever cherish our little trips to Longs...you had to have the right lipstick. A girl with out lipstick should not be seen in public and of course you needed the right mirror to put it on.

...hearing all of the stories from way back when would have to be one of the highlights of spending time with Grandpa and Grandma. I loved hearing how Grandma would pack a bag, and then a very little baby Aunt Sherill and go riding around in the truck with Grandpa, just so that they could be together,while he did his work. That is such a sweet story, all of them are sweet. All of the stories, they all show, and told the struggles, trials and so much more, but they loved each other and that was the most important thing.

...living with Grandpa and Grandma...what a wonderful treat. As I started off to college and being able to call their home my home. It was so fun to sleep in the same room that my Mom and Aunt Michelle had shared at the same age I was. I love those special one on one moments with them. The greatest part was when I told Grandpa that I would finally win him at Scrabble before I moved home. I tried, oh, so many time and then the day before I left, I finally won. I really think that Grandpa let me win, but it was a great try and so much fun.

...another great memory was knowing that Grandma and I shared a favorite thing. That would be a Jr. Whopper from Burger King. I can't tell you how many mornings that I was there that she asked for one at 10:30 in the morning and was sure to tell me to have extra pickles on it. The first time that I heard her asking for one, I couldn't believe it. My Grandma, the healthy eater wanting fast food. But hey, I have to admit, it was a great burger.

...I will also always cherish the great recipes that Grandma shared with me. My two favorites would be her Chicken (baked with Cream of Mushroom and fresh onions) the other would be the love of Cucumber Salad. Thanks for sharing these with me Grandma! I will always share them.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with these two amazing servants of you. Their willingness to serve the Lord, the heart of a tired less parent or grandparent. The teacher, the giver and so much more. That is just a few words to describe two very amazing people that I will forever admire. Thank you, Lord for blessing me with such a great and amazing family.

In hard times, we always find ourselves drawing nearer to God, well in those time I find comfort in a song. Here are the words, may they bring comfort to you.

I Can Only Imagine...

"I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!! Only imagine!!!I can only imagine.
I can only imagine, when all I do is forever, forever worship You!I can only imagine."

Thank you Lord for letting these two fall in love...have an adoring family, children, grand children, great grand children and just living the life that you wanted for them. Thank you for the love that they shared, Thank you for giving them all the time that you gave them, Thank you! I can only imagine!

~I love you Grandma, may you know how much!!!

Extra Pickles please!!!~