March 22
I came to see my grandchildren, Sierra and Sawyer. It’s been seven months since I have seen them in person. We’ve done some video chats, and while that is better than nothing, nothing replaces the personal touch. One of Norm’s greatest griefs, he did not see or hug his grandchildren since he got sick.
But before that, we had them with us for a full week of fun and laughter. We were able to visit them for Sawyer’s birthday…after that, video chats only…in the last few months, video recordings from them to their Poppop.
It’s bittersweet. Each event, playtime, eating…all remind me of what they lost in their Poppop. He played with them wholeheartedly, entering their imaginative play without hesitation. He switched scenarios with them as they brought new challenges to light.
They went on bear hunts, played hospital with all the stuffed animals, managed zoos, went to school, had great adventures of every kind.
They know he is gone, I know that because not once did they ask when Poppop was coming. Their conversations of him were sweet, filled with the laughter that signified their times with Poppop.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and now flow as I consider the loss to my grandchildren of their Poppop who loved them and would do anything for them.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful for all the times Sierra and Sawyer had with Poppop. They have some physical reminders, a clubhouse, a mud kitchen and a climbing wall which he built for them.
I pray for them, that they will come to know the Lord and to follow Him as Norm loved the Lord.
I rejoice that the memories are good.
Where’s the joy? It is in the laughter and joy of youth, who rejoice each day in all that life brings their way…and can always find the good in it.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives ones such child in My name receives Me;” Matthew 7:1-5
TRICIA LATHROP 