I’m back from Illinois after a wonderful and truly meaningful trip. Before Grandma passed away, I had debated really making the trip. As soon as I got there, I knew that not going will NEVER be an option for me in the future. To be with family at such a time as that is incredibly important and it was a powerful time of remembrance, of family, of prayer, singing, and a real blessing to me. As my sister likes to put it, we have a “beautiful family” – and really, she is right. Beautiful people, with large hearts and a real desire to love God and others. We are blessed. The cousins are all “coming of age” as well, and some of the 21 and over cousins went out for a night on the town, which was very fun. The Next Generation of Mennonite cousins, out at Applebees for a few drinks. Good times.
The last night we sat around and heard about Grandma’s last few hours and what transpired that day. We also had the chance to lay hands on Grandpa and pray for him before he had to leave to go back to the nursing home. Terribly sad for him — to be there with children, children-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren…a house full of laughter, joy, companionship, and then to have to be wheeled out backwards from the home, door-shut and driven to the quiet, dark room at the nursing home. He showed great strength (as always) but he was definitely sad and didn’t have a problem crying in front of us. I will be seeing him this summer again as we go back for our GGG (Great Gingrich Gathering) Family Reunion. Thank you to all who have been keeping my family in your prayers…
