Birdies on the Green.: Your Memory Remains

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

I wish it weren't so, but Saturday, September 15, 2012, marked a year since my grandfather or "Pa", as I call him, went to be with our Lord and Savior. Needless to say, Saturday was a very sad day. I know he'd want me to be happy and rejoice that he's up in Heaven living the good 'ole life, but it's so very hard. I'd love to have another conversation with him here on Earth and laugh with him as we watch Cameron prance and skip around (Cameron's new thing he does, which I SOOOO LOVE). Yesterday, chills ran down my spine as I heard Cameron make the same exact sound with his mouth as my Pa always did, and he kept doing it and kept doing it and did it again today! It's the best sound... I am so lucky to have such sweet, little reminders of one amazing man!

Since Ryan was playing in the Challenge Cup in my hometown on Saturday, Cam and I were able to spend a little time with my Gran, my Dad, my Aunt Karen and my cousin Clint, who were both in town visiting. I really enjoyed the little bit of time we all had together. It was nice to spend some time at the cemetary with my Pa, too. Of course, Cameron loved the dirt, laid in it and all... always does! Ha ha... I know Pa didn't mind and never does.

Gran, Clint and Aunt Karen

We picked dandelion's for Pa :)

My husband was working the evening of September 15, 2011, so Cameron and I decided we'd go spend the evening with our Grandparents in my hometown. We walked in and were greeted by my Pa, with a smile, of course, and Cameron gave my Pa a big smile. Oh, that made my Pa's day for sure. I remember my Pa looked very nice that afternoon. He was wearing navy trousers and navy dress socks. I don't exactly remember what shirt he was wearing because I was more intrigued by his trousers and socks. It was rare that I didn't see him in tan trousers. "Navy was a great color on him," I thought. He had just had his knee replaced 2 weeks before that and had been doing therapy. I was proud of how well he was doing, and I never dreamed that would have been my last moments conversating with him here on Earth. I cherish every minute I had with my Pa, and I share stories and pictures of him with Cameron. I long for Cameron to know our Pa and he will! :)

I thought I'd post some pictures from that time...never have before, but my heart has mended a little, and I feel strong enough to share them now. I am posting one of Cameron and his beautiful blue eyes, which are now looking more green, but they remind me of my Pa's bright blue eyes in the photo down below... this was taken minutes before our lives changed forever.

This picture was taken after the paramedics took my grandfather to the hospital. Sleeping Cam and I awaited for good news from the hospital. I felt peace in my heart, and I believe that's what my grandfather wanted but was only greeted by the most devasting news of my life (at that time).