I keep trying to write this post, and no matter what it seems to come out flat. I just can't seem to put words to the events of the last week, really. I figure a lame attempt is better than nothing at all, so here it goes!
My grandmother, Dotsy, my mom's mom, broke her hip last winter. After a surgery, she was in and out of the nursing home and the hospital. In the middle of last week, they admitted her to the hospital because of an infection and pnuemonia. I knew she was feeling poorly, but got word from my mom on Thursday that she was really not doing well.
J totally rearranged his work plans and let me leave when he got home from work Thursday afternoon to see her. At that point, they admitted her into the hospice wing at the hospital. When I got there at 9:30 PM, it was clear that she was struggling. She died at 7 AM the next morning, and I was privileged to be there with my mom as she took her last breath. I still don't think I can really believe I experienced all of it! It was certainly bittersweet as I got back on the road for home.
Friday was also a significant day for me and for J as we celebrated ten years of marriage. My sisters were gracious enough to step in as our last minute childcare so we could have an anniversary date.
I just have to say that I truly cannot believe we've been married for ten years. Sometimes it feels like a lot longer than than and other times it feels like just yesterday! I am so thankful for J and for the playfullness he adds to my life. He constantly suprises me and makes me laugh. I never would have dreamed that I would marry someone who would be such an incredible father. Watching him with our children is delightful. I am amazed by the man that he is and unbelievably thankful to the Lord for bringing us together. If I've learned anything about marriage in the last ten years it's that it is a lot of hard work. It's certainly worth it, and I would do every minute of our ten years over again. I am so thankful for you, J!!
So back to the funeral we did go for a family reunion of sorts. Definitely not the kind of reunion you look forward to, but it was fun to be with all of my siblings and have all eleven grandchildren together. We totally took over the lobby of the hotel!!
And at the funeral...
And one last shot of my grandpa Dick and my parents with all the grandbabies.
Amazing.
As I think back on it all, I keep coming back to the words to one of my new favorite songs...
Let no one caught in sin remain*
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely you bled, for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bow to none but heavens will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold you down
In strength you reign
Forever let your church proclaim
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Inside the lie of inward shame
We fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely you bled, for us
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave!
Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bow to none but heavens will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold you down
In strength you reign
Forever let your church proclaim
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with him again
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave
"Christ is Risen"
Matt Maher
