Amazing Grace (and Mercy)

This past week has been very rough.  We got a call last Thursday (4/13) early morning that Grandpa was being taken back to the hospital.  My mom caught the first flight out at 9am, but God took Grandpa home before her plane landed.  It was the saddest moment in my 25-year-old life to get that call from my mom.  She was at the airport when she got the news, and she couldn't reach my dad, so she called me.  It was so hard to be so far away from her hearing her grief and devestation in that conversation.  I called my dad, he called Amanda.  The rest of that day I was overwhelmed with a heavy heart for my mom, and almost in disbelief at our family's loss. I would never have believed all of this would unfold, if you would have told me this last Christmas I wouldn't have believed you.  Grandpa was active and healthy as he had always been, vibrantly shining for the Lord.  God was so good to us, to give us last Christmas all together, surrounding Grandpa and Grandma with love.

And thank GOD we were able to visit him, just one month ago when we learned of his cancer.  I know the whole family thought we had more time with him, there was no indication that it would be this soon.  But God is good, He is faithful, and so we greived and rejoiced for Grandpa at the same time.  Grandpa kept saying "If the Lord takes me home, it's a win-win situation!" Grandpa never lost hope, he never was negative about his cancer, he was never in any pain.  That's the Lord working through him, and in him.  God was merciful that Grandpa didn't suffer despite his terminal illness.  God's favor has been evident in my Grandpa Fil's life for a long, long time. God always took care of him, and Grandpa always acknowledged the Lord's work and was humbled by the Lord's Grace in his life.  Everyone who knew him, could see that. 

What a testiment to God's power, His grace, His mercy!  My Grandpa's legacy is something I'm so proud to be a part of.  I'm thankful that God used him to influence the family he had.  Grandma & Grandpa had 10 kids, my mom being #4.  I'm blessed by my family, and we are surrounded in prayer.
It's probably the hardest thing I've ever been through, and I've been exhausted until yesterday. I can only imagine how Grandma, my aunts/uncle, and my mom must feel. But God is faithful, I can be sure of that, and He has already given us so much peace.  His service was beautiful on Monday morning, and although it was a sad day, I know that my Grandpa would have been so honored with what was said.  Going forward with prayer and hope in the Lord, we'll get through this time and celebrate the fact that we'll see Grandpa again someday.

Comments

[Bobby]

I think it is awesome that your family is so close.

[Cara Osborne]

Amy, I am inspired that Grandpa Fil led a life that was dedicated unto the Lord. He definitely left a legacy of faith - you are living proof! We are only rescued from our fallenness by FAITH alone and I am so REFRESHED to know that Fil received that faith! Blessings to you and your household.