So I've been gone for awhile

And I am sorry for that. Not just because I use this to update my distant family and friends (hi Jacob and Alison:), but also because I have missed reading all of my bloggy friends' updates (some of you have been busy:). Anyway, last Monday night I got the call that my grandfather had taken a turn for the worse. He had been in the hospital for awhile, but everyone kept thinking that he would recover soon. But things don't always turn out like we think they will.

So I got on an airplane that night and flew down to be with my grandparents, dad, and aunt. There is much to tell about my journey, but the important part is that on Wednesday afternoon Poppie went on to be with the Lord. I am thankful for that last time to say "I love you" to him, but I am even more thankful that I have gotten to tell him that I loved him a million times in the last 30+ years. (So go tell your family you love them, ok?) He will be missed by all of us, and I am having a hard time just typing this without crying about it.

The next day, we loaded up in the van and drove for two days to get back home. We would cry a bit, then tell funny stories about Poppie and laugh, then cry some more. Today was the funeral, and I had the honor of giving the eulogy. I talked about about how much he loved to fuss at us all. And about his love for food (especially sweets), his "useless" Wildcats, and antique dealing. But he loved his family even more. He loved my grandmother so much that you could still see it in his face after 62 years. He was proud of each of his children and who they have become. And he adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I adored him right back. He has always been one of my favorite people on the planet. So of course I cried the entire time I was talking. I also read some memories that my brother sent to me (thank you!).

I have spent the last week crying, moping, distracting myself with busyness, eating twice as much as usual, and telling stories. But I have also gotten to spend a lot of time with my extended family, which has been wonderful.

I know most of you don't know my grandfather (some of you don't even know me, for Pete's sake:). But I hope that you don't feel like you need to be sad for me. I had the great honor and privilege of having a wonderful grandfather, who is now in the arms of Jesus. And that is a blessing, my friends.