February 06, 2007

Grandpa

One might guess that our lack of new posts might be due to the start of a new semester, but one would be incorrect. On Saturday Jan 27, my Grandpa passed away. Kim and I were actually up in Maine spending the weekend with her cousin Wendy, hubby Josh and their three kids, before they move back to the Midwest. We immediately left for home, flying out early on Sunday morning and were able to be with our family by that evening. Monday was tough on our family not only because we spent the day at the funeral home for the visitation, but also because a vicious flu was ripping through our family. Grandma and several other family members were not even able to attend the visitation because she was so sick. The local VFW post held a very nice service Monday evening as my Grandpa served in WWII. Everyone except for one cousin was able to make the funeral. I was asked to speak and so I did. I spoke on 1 Thessalonians 4:13 where Paul exhorts his listeners not to grieve for their dead like those "who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." In addition, I mentioned how we can receive comfort right now in God's promise to us found a few verses later in 5:10, "He [Christ] died for us so that, whether we are awake [alive] or asleep [dead], we may live together with him." I was barely able to get through what I wanted to say (by the grace of God only). As many of you know, I have always been very close with my Grandparents, so this has been very sad, but I am very thankful for how much quality time we were able to have together, so many great memories, and rejoice that I will see him again one glorious day in the future. [By the way, in case you were wondering what my Grandma is doing in the picture, I think she was hoping that there actually five in that picture! But since it has been well over nine months since that photo, I believe we are in the clear!]

It was ironic that I had actually purchased a ticket to fly home last Wednesday, but had to eat that ticket once I had heard the news and we left a few days earlier on Sunday. I was flying out because I purchased a car from my Aunt Darleen (her "big red tomato"). So instead of me driving 15 hours back by myself, Kim drove back with me after the funeral. We split the trip into two days and stayed the night at Niagara falls (Luxury suites are very cheap weekdays in the winter!) The second car is necessary now that I will also be commuting to work daily like my beautiful wife. The vote is tomorrow night concerning the associate position, and i will inform you promptly on it. I also have the sermon I gave on New Year's Eve on CD, so once I figure out how to put it on the site in audio form, I will do that in case any of you need some good preachin' for your MP3 players!

10 comments:

Jess said...

Lucas, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord give you and your family comfort during this time! Praise the Lord that one day, you will be reunited with him again!

I will be praying for you about the vote. I am so excited for what God has in store.

We won't be moving to the northeat, though there was a small chance of that until last Friday. Andrew was offered and accepted a job in Ohio, so we are moving back to the Great Lakes area in July! I couldn't be more thrilled to be moving closer to Hillsdale and to so many college friends.

ldmiller said...

Congrat Jess! At what school will he be working? When's the move?

MM said...

Lucas, so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much your grandpa meant to you. Sympathy to you and your family.

BillG said...

I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away, Lucas. I believe I met him only once, when we visited your place for Thanksgiving, but from what I remember, he had a great sense of humor.

You'll be in our thoughts and prayers tonight, not only for this but for the vote.

Anonymous said...

Lucas...very nice blog for Grandpa,he would be proud and he already knew how much he was loved. We had alot of good years with him and alot of precious memories. He will be missed. MOM in MI. Lil' Red fits your car:)

Anonymous said...

Lucas, how special that you gave the spiritual talk for you Grandpa! I know that made your family very blessed especially your Grandma. Also how very special that you and Kim got to ride back together in your beautiful red car. I know that time meant a lot to you both. So much of your Grandpa walks with you now as you begin a new phase in your life. You will make him proud. Love to you both, Grandma and Grandpa in NE

Anonymous said...

Lucas and Kim, Despite the circumstances, it was lovely to see you both last week. It had been far too long since we were last in the same state! We hope to see you under happier circumstances again soon.

Additional side note: You failed to mention the one cousin who didn't make it to the funeral was puking his guts out from the flu that was going around. And, he managed to pass it along to his father-in-law when we got back to Flint. We were glad to leave that bug in Michigan when we returned to Indy!

Anonymous said...

Lucas, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandpa. I'm glad you and Kim were able to make it back to be with your family, and it's wonderful that you were able to speak. I know that must have been so emotional, and I will be praying for you and your family as you continue life without him.
I know words aren't adequate in times like these, but just know that our thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

Lucas & Kim
Sorry this post is late, but I've been sick since the funeral.
Glad to hear you made it home ok with the car. It looked good in the picture.
What a great job you did at grandpa's funeral I was very proud and he would have been too. He had a special place in his heart just for you, probably cause he was there when you were born. You'll make a great pastor. Nice blog for him also.
Love
aunt darleen

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys, I havent visited your blog in weeks! I just read this blog. I am really sorry to hear about grandpa! I hope you guys are doing well. How's grandma?