My mom called and said, "It's time, you need to come now." And, I did...smelling like an onion and garlic from the chicken noodle soup I'd been preparing.
When I arrived, my cousin, sisters, brother, aunt, uncle, and mom were gathered around my grandfather. I grabbed a hold of my mom and sobbed and sobbed until my chest hurt, my eyes stung, and my knees were knocking. (I don't think I can do this. I'm not ready for him to die.)
And slowly after a few hours passed, a chaplain came and led a prayer. We all held hands and quietly cried as we watched him pray over our grandfather...and then, as he left, my grandfather took in a few short breaths and peacefully went to Heaven. It was beautiful.
As I lay here in my warm bed at home, I can't stop thinking about what "Jack" the chaplain said.
In life, we should find a way to say four things to the people who are most important to us:
- I love you.
- I am thankful for you.
- Please forgive me.
- I forgive you.
Peace to you and your family Kelly.
ReplyDeleteThose were my exact words when I got the call that my dad had died. "I'm not ready for this!" I didn't get to be by his side, being a 9 hour car trip away in the middle of the night.
But, it all happens as it is meant to... God answered my dad's lifelong prayers for a speedy death.
May you also find peace in his passing.