The heartbeat of family life

I can feel your pain, Renee and share it with you. I have lost two very special men, and still grieve for them. And I know the pain of separation from family and missing all those 'special events' like birthdays, and family celebrations. Even when you live close to family, it can happen that you miss some of those family celebrations. Know that the pain and separation can make you a stronger, more resilient person, can give you a new perspective on who you are and what you want and need in your life. It's a time of reassessment, a time to stop and count your blessings and appreciate everything and everyone that is here and now. Because... Time Changes Everything and Everyone. Nothing stays the same. Most often we don't like change, but it happens anyway whether we like it or not, that's just life. It's part of our growth experience...like the changing seasons.

Believe it not, your Grandfather lives in you. You carry a piece of him in who you are. Some of the things you do and  say are things he would do or say and when that happens, you immediately recognize it and think of him. When that happens, honour him by thinking of him and then thank him for giving you that gift. He will hear you! So glad to hear that you took part in creating the Eulogy. Believe that you were there in spirit to grieve with the rest, in your creation of the Eulogy. You left a part of you with your family in doing that. You spoke to them and your Grandfather, when they read the Eulogy. You were there.

Love MOM Tougas

So sorry to hear of your loss, Renee. It sounds like you were very close to him, learned from him, and loved and respected him. I always have two tug of war feelings when I've lost others close to me: joy, that they are with the Lord, and unfairness, grief, that I can't be near them until we meet again. I pray that you would feel comfort and peace in your silent day. 

Sarah M

I am so sorry, Renee. These are such beautiful words expressing the mix of grief and gratitude. Grief mixed with gratitude has become an ever present companion for me over the last 11 years. I often cry while I clean too....it is cleansing on so many levels. My prayers are with you and your family right now. 

Congrats to your kids on their medals! We recently competed and my kiddos so enjoyed it. First tournament for my 5 yr old. 

Happy Birthday to your daughter....sounds like a wonderful day ahead for her.

Yes. Much light to your and your family as you celebrate the gifts and challenges this week. 

I am so sorry to hear about your loss... I can completely sympathize with how hard it is to be so far away from family, especially during times of loss or celebration. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts!  

I am so sorry for your loss, and I can identify with absolutely everything you wrote here.  We had a rather traumatic, sudden relocation this summer and the following week my grandmother (last living grandparent) died.  There was no way I could attend the funeral.  Actually several years ago my husband made my dream come true and we traveled 3 days  each way to visit her, because we knew that we would not be able to be with her at the end of her life, most likely.  Such a gift.  But even though I had that, and her death was not unexpected, I found myself with a lot of grief.  The other traumas in our life at that point compounded it for sure.  I absolutely understand your feelings...right down to the mopped floor and no one needing meals! :) 

I am sorry for your loss and thankful that your grandpa lived a long life well-lived. 

We laid my dad's ashes atop my mom's coffin yesterday. I have found it difficult to continue to feed kids, do laundry, etc. while I am so filled with anguish-cleaning does not feel therapeutic to me.  I am so thankful for the new babies and preschoolers in our family who bring so much joy in the midst of heartache. 

I am sure you've heard that the roads here, in AB, have been dangerous this last week so many people in this province missed my dad's funeral. I have missed a couple in the past due to super icy roads. Never easy. 

So very sorry to hear about your loss.

Keeping you in my thoughts suring this difficult time.  Hugs!

This is a beautiful post and your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. Praying for you as you mourn and celebrate this weekend.

Thank you for sharing with us as you always do. I will hold you close in my heart and in my prayers.  It hurts so much to lose someone you love, and it hurts more when you are unable to physically be with your loved ones during the healing time.  Crying and cleaning is healthy and healing.  Your memories of your grandfather will help you during this time of healing.  Knowing that you have many people who care about you and are sending prayers will also help I think.  In peace, Dianna

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! I too know how difficult it is to be separated from loved ones....across oceans....missing out on the joy (weddings and births) and on the pain (sickness and death). Of which, I am partaking in both this week (and by partaking, I mean missing out on). It can be so incredibly painful at times but at least I (and you) have the assurance that God has us where He wants and He knows best. 

Renee,

I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. I, too, know how difficult it is to be far from family, both for joy and sorrow. It hurts. Your mother in law's words above are perfect and oh, so true. Blessings. 

Sorry for ur loss,hope ur daughter has a happy birthday,and congrats to ur family on the medals they won 

So sorry to hear of your Grandpa's passing.  We will keep your family in our prayers.  I was here this time last month when my Grandmother passed away.  Just know that even though some days it feels like it, you are not alone. 

I am sorry for your loss!...I know some of these feelings of needing a brake and feeling the solitude. Crying while cleaning floors can be done more freely when you are by yourself tough! I hope you'll feel the comfort of the memories shared with your loved one. You'll be in my prayers today.

I am sorry for your loss. My grandma died this past January at age 94. I still miss her and will for years to come. Family is special.

I am sorry for your loss, Renee. 

I also missed my grandfather's funeral because I was pregnant and considered too high risk to travel by air.  I was the only family member not in attendance.  My husband took my place with the other cousins as they honored him at church.  It was a lonely time for me, so I really do feel for you. 

Enjoy your celebration of your daughter tomorrow. 

I know what it means to be far from family and how it feels in times like this. I am sending you much love. Sincere condolences,

Renée,

May God bless your Grandpa and give him a high station in Paradise. May the remembrance of him be a reminder, a thought that guides, an inspiration. The hearts of believers meet during the day, even if physically far away. May God Almighty give you the strength you need. And the love.

Lisa

So sorry for your loss Renee.

When I see the photos of your family, I am so impressed with what you do, raising your kids, connecting to your family. Bless you for sharing it all. 

Renee, I am sorry for the loss of your grandpa. My last two grandparents passed away this year. Grandparents surely are a special part of our lives! I enjoyed reading the bits you shared about him. What a treasure that our grandfathers loved God and wanted their lives to be for His glory! My grandpa's life and legacy has been one of the loudest (yet quietest, if that makes sense) sermons to me this year (and I hear at least three sermons a week!). It made me think of my own life and the choices I am making. What will matter in the end? Good, though sometimes hard things to think about. I trust God is giving grace upon grace to you during this time. I'm glad you had some quiet time alone this weekend. I know it was a blessing to you.

A great big happy birthday to Brienne! I hope she had a very special day!

As always, Renee, thanks for being real. Such a lovely qualitiy!

My deepest sympathies, Renee. Papa's Gram died this week also. She was a wonderful woman, and a believer. Let us rejoice that they are both with our Lord. Hugs!

I'm so sorry to learn of your grandfather's passing, Renee.  Even though he had a long life I know that it still will leave a void in the family for quite some time.  

We are sorry for your loss.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Although you may not be able to raise your voice in song with family honoring your grandfather, thank you for raising your voice in your words here. It is lovely to read and experience life along with you. You are a blessing to many. May the blessings return to you ten-fold in this season.

Yes! This! My 96 year old grandma passed away in August in another state and like you, I was unable to be with extended family during that time. Sifting through memories and emotions while keeping up with the laughing antics of my toddlers (who my grandma never got to meet in person)...such a blend of joy and sorrow.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandfather, but rejoice with you in a life well-lived!

Mom Tougas is so right. We too took time out to look at the photographs of the visits we have paid to Alberta over the years. We gave thanks for the priviledge of sharing so much with grandparents, the quiet words of blessing before and after a meal, of joining the community at church on a Sunday, of visiting the farm with a proud grandfather, picking strawberries with you grandmother and standing in fear as she pointed out the reason our pail was not so full was that we had eaten far too many! They are all good memories made better in the knowledge that Eric and Betty are reunited and are probably organising something or other for their friends. Well at least Betty will whilst Eric just goes with the flow!