Joy In Our Sadness

Joy In Our Sadness 

Right before Thanksgiving- my Grandpa Marshall suffered a severe heart attack that lasted several days and left him with 15% of his heart working while his kidneys began to fail. We didn't think we'd make it to Thanksgiving and Jon and I contemplated several times whether or not we should drive down to New Bern or stay close to home. But- we made the trip and my grandpa started his final fight for his life. He made some progress and was moved to a nursing home apart from my grandma. In my grandpa's final month here on earth I can't begin to tell you how incredible it was to watch my grandparents as they held each other close and shared their I Love You's to each other. One of the hardest things for my grandma was how to say good-bye.... Through all this- my grandma had one wish and that was to see my grandpa make it through the holidays. And make it through the holidays he did! On December 20th my grandparents celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary!! What a legacy! Christmas Day- I was able to visit my grandpa and as I watched him struggle to eat while my dad fed him, I knew in my heart, this was probably the last time I was going to see my sweet grandpa alive here on earth. Before my grandma left to go home Christmas evening- she turned to grandpa and wished him a Merry Christmas-- and for the first time in years, as plain as day, my grandpa spoke these two beautiful words to my grandma... "MERRY CHRISTMAS" - That is the most special Christmas gift given this year... My grandpa died the next morning.

In our sadness we have joy! My grandpa is no longer suffering and is with Jesus. I could wish nothing more for my sweet grandpa. As he was the only grandpa I ever had- I'm so thankful for him and I can't wait to see him again.