Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
— Psalm 116: 15
Sunday, August 19, 2012 (DAY 168)
When I first committed to this great journey–to leave behind those I love without the knowledge that I may ever return to the States, and with this understanding I knew that I may endure the pain of losing those closest to me, and unfortunately that day has come today. Just after a day of celebration of my youngest sister’s wedding, I was notified that my grandfather passed away. Delvin, was a minister for the majority of his life, and while he was not my true grandfather in the traditional sense but the brother-in-law of my grandma’s sister, he welcomed the rest of us grandkids as his own, allowing us to call him grandpa, and for that I cannot thank him enough. Even being adopted, he never treated me, or my sisters any differently from any of my cousins, but helped me to realize the genuine love that he had for us as an entire extended family. I am truly grateful for the time and conversations we had prior to leaving on this important journey, and his understanding, words of encouragement, and acknowledgement in the pride that he expressed is something that will continue to bring tears to my eyes as I think about him. Through all of the family holidays, watching us grow, being there to provide words of instruction and insight, I will cherish those moments sitting alone with him at the kitchen table listening intently to all that he has seen in the many years of life he was blessed with. Grandpa, you will be missed greatly and my heart goes out to the rest of the family in the absence of my physical presence, but know that you will always be in my heart and I will remember all that you have taught me. I love you dearly and know that I will see you again.
When I first committed to this great journey–to leave behind those I love without the knowledge that I may ever return to the States, and with this understanding I knew that I may endure the pain of losing those closest to me, and unfortunately that day has come today. Just after a day of celebration of my youngest sister’s wedding, I was notified that my grandfather passed away. Delvin, was a minister for the majority of his life, and while he was not my true grandfather in the traditional sense but the brother-in-law of my grandma’s sister, he welcomed the rest of us grandkids as his own, allowing us to call him grandpa, and for that I cannot thank him enough. Even being adopted, he never treated me, or my sisters any differently from any of my cousins, but helped me to realize the genuine love that he had for us as an entire extended family. I am truly grateful for the time and conversations we had prior to leaving on this important journey, and his understanding, words of encouragement, and acknowledgement in the pride that he expressed is something that will continue to bring tears to my eyes as I think about him. Through all of the family holidays, watching us grow, being there to provide words of instruction and insight, I will cherish those moments sitting alone with him at the kitchen table listening intently to all that he has seen in the many years of life he was blessed with. Grandpa, you will be missed greatly and my heart goes out to the rest of the family in the absence of my physical presence, but know that you will always be in my heart and I will remember all that you have taught me. I love you dearly and know that I will see you again.
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