In His Words

Christmas 2006 everyone in our family received a gift my Grandpa had been working on for a year without telling any of us. At the time we realized how special it was but it wasn't until the last six months that we realized how much we will cherish it and in some ways lean on it for the rest of our lives.

Gramps, being the great story teller that he was, had put together a 4 CD set of stories from his life and ministry. Last January through the beginning of March I went for a walk with my Gramps almost every morning- him in my ipod walking with me through Chester Park in Duluth. The first week in March I had finished the loop I like to do and the dogs were a mess. (Those of you who have been through Chester or any other park in the Spring know what I am talking about) This day I decided to keep listening to Gramps as I gave the dogs a bath. I had just finished when I heard him say, "One more little chat and then we're gonna put this tape to bed." I thought alright I wonder which one he'll end with. Then he said, "Someday you're gonna get a call that says Grandpa's gone, he's passed away." Whoa... turn on the water works. It was a good thing I was home and not in the middle of Chester because I was a goner. He proceeded to walk us through what that time would be like. How fitting of him. He is the one we have always turned to in times like this and here he was preparing us without even knowing how soon he would be going home.

When we realized that his cancer was terminal many of us knew we had to share those words with others. It was decided that when we put together a slide show we would share his words with all those who loved and knew him. We couldn't play the whole last chapter, but we could share what he would have most wanted us to, what he had lived his whole life to share.

I wanted to share this with those of you who knew him and were not able to be there with us, with those of you who knew him through each of us and would want to see it, and with those of you who may not have known him but would be touched by what he had to say. (For you who didn't know him- and some that did, the pictures may get a little long not knowing who is in them so the part where he is talking is 2:30-5:30)

I knew last Christmas that one of the greatest aspects of this gift was knowing I would always be able to hear his voice. I didn't know until now how much of a comfort it would be to me.

Hallelujah

At 8:21 tonight Grandma, Mom, Dad, Grandma Syvilla and I shouted HALLELUJAH as Grandpa went home to be with His Lord and Savior.


I Love You and Miss you so much already.

You have always been my hero.
THANK YOU!

Where to Start?

Wow- how do you update when it has been so long since your last post and so much has happened? I guess I just have to begin somewhere- how about with Christmas.

We celebrated with our extended family on Saturday before Christmas. It was great to be together and Gramps was able to join us. After eating dinner and opening some gifts we headed out to the pond (where I have strung Christmas lights through the trees around it) to play a little soccer on the ice. A few bruises were the trophies we walked away with.

Sunday we had Christmas again with my immediate family, some Olson family as well as some Shermer family. I had found some old photos and letters people had written and it was so great to be able to give some gifts with such meaning. Amy and I also gave Gramps this great "Super dooper Reindeer Pooper", that said have a pooping Christmas. Ya gotta love that. I would have to say the best gift went to Amy and I. (I was in on it so then you know your gonna love your gift when you get to pick it out) I put together a story-book for Amy using pictures from all our Packer adventures and wrote a story that ended with the two of us at Lambeau Field on Jan. 12th. That's right we get to go to the playoff game. Grandpa even contributed- giving each of us $1 to buy a souvenir. (he doesn't think anything Packers is worth more than a dollar)

After a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, some more family were able to come and stay for a few days- so once again there were a few more meals and gifts to go around- (yes I am starting to look a little more like Santa Clause everyday).

The few days after Christmas it became harder for Gramps to be moved around so he stayed in the bedroom and by Saturday we rearranged the room to move in the hospital bed along with a few comfy chairs for the rest of us. It is now where we spend most of our time. I realized Saturday that I had had my last conversation with my Grandpa. He now sleeps most of the time and his breathing has changed as well. I miss him so much already but am beyond thankful to know that soon Gramps will be going home to be with Jesus. What a beautiful day that will be for him. I do admit that it is hard to watch him now and as I layed next to him today it was hard not to wonder what the purpose of the last few days are- however I do KNOW that just as Grandpa has said many times- God knows each day of his life. He has planned them and will hold Gramps safely in his hands through each one. He will not give him (or the rest of us) more than he has given us the strength to get through. What a blessing this relationship has been in my life and yes even these last few months filled laughter and many tears are a gift I will cherish.

For now we wait until we can shout Hallelujah (as Grandpa has requested) as Jesus carries our dearly loved Gramps home to the place he has prepared for him in Heaven. Isn't that what He has lived for- to be standing before Jesus being able to call Him his Savior and friend.