(I have this picture in my ipad, love it, and look at it when I need a smile)
I Thank God for you…
You are one of my biggest supporters & encouragers during my race. In my life you have been the best example I have had of a Godly man. I can't wait to spend time with you and Grandma in your new place. I can't tell you how excited I am to have you close enough to share my everyday with.
When I was a baby/ toddler I spent almost everyday with my grandparents. I was the first child and grandchild. Then my parents moved from MI (away from my grandparents) to FL. My mom still tells the story of how I cried almost the entire two day drive. Then every year, at the same time as we moved (August), I suffered with a stuffy nose/ sore throat. I now realize that this separation had been very traumatic for me. It manifested itself into a physical illness.
When I was a child my grandparents move to FL. It was still a four hour ride in the car to go visit them. I remember being so excited every time. My friends would always complain and not enjoy visiting their grandparents. I never understood them because I was so blessed. The two of you represented warmth, love, joy, holidays, traditions … Everything good in this life.
When I was a troubled teen. I chose to leave my family in Orlando and move the four hours away to Ft Myers to rebuild my life in a good Godly way. My grandparents were the perfect place to go for understanding and encouragement. During this time I realized I was already pregnant with my daughter. I know it broke their hearts and they hurt for me. However they were forgiving and supportive. They were willing to help me however they could.
Then as an Adult (20's … single mom) they moved closer to Orlando. They now lived in Lady Lake a little over an hour away. It was so comforting to just be able to turn right out of my neighborhood and take highway 27 all the way to Lady Lake then turn Left and be with you two.
In my 30's you two moved to Homosassa. This was not closer. However it was the perfect refuge. I love to think of the song "Over the river and through the woods" … It so perfectly described the joyful journey to this wooded oasis. Then to top it all off my grandparents were there. It was my little piece of heaven on earth. Now you two are living in Orlando! I haven't known what it's like to be with you without packing an over night bag or suitcase, since I was a baby.
I pray I can now fill your days with all the love, warmth, comfort and joy you have given me all my life. I look forward to blessing you two by being just like you! I want to serve you two and bringing you excitement when I call to say "can I come over?" (I know the answer will always be a joyful yes but I still like to ask and hear it!)
I am now growing my love for my eternal home. I know that butterfly feeling that comes when you look forward to going somewhere so perfect and unworldly… So heavenly. Thank You for showing me the love of Christ all my life. Thank you for representing true Christian family morals! Thank you for always being there Grandpa … I promise you that if I marry … My husband will be just like you! Though it is odd to be almost in my 40's and not married. I am proud because I am so bless by your influence in my life. God, and you, have such high standards for my heart!
Love & Prayers
Jessie
A SONG TO YOU GRANDPA
