Wednesday, November 2, 2011

in loving memory...

Life is a gift. It is so precious, so fragile, and needs to be cherished every second of the day! I know that I make the mistake of taking life for granted, which is wrong, because I know how abruptly it can end. Sometimes it takes losing someone I love, to reflect on myself and and realize that I can be better.
Yesterday my sweet Grandad passed away. It was definitely his time to return to God. I find such comfort in the fact that he lived a very long, happy, and successful life. My Grandad was 97 years old, and as wise as they come :) Grandma and Grandad JUST celebrated their 77th year of marriage. How special is that?! I am incredibly lucky to have known them in this life as long as I have, what a blessing! 
 Haha, they hate having their picture taken! Grandad told me he's had his picture taken more in the last 10 years than his whole life :)
I have such fond memories with Grandad. Anytime my family gets together we play as many lethal games of canasta as we can. Trust me, it's lethal when you play with us ;) Before I was old enough to play the game, I would snuggle with my Grandad in his recliner next to the fire place. Sometimes we'd talk, other times we'd eat Grandma's treats, but every time we'd just enjoy each others company. I appreciate the time Grandad spent with us, he made sure his grandchildren knew they were loved (this includes Eric! Grandad took him right in when we got married.). 
I am truly a better person for having my grandparents in my life. Grandad was an amazing man, anyone who knew him will miss him greatly! I will never forget the examples and love he has shown me through out my life. And I will continue to cherish my life, as well as loved ones! When it's my time to leave this Earth, I want to leave behind a legacy full of happiness and love! Oh... and lots of posterity ;)

34 comments:

Liesl said...

I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family through this difficult time.

What a touching and heartfelt post, which will remind us all of the importance of life. What a lovely outlook you have on it all and what a full life your Grandad lived!

Here is a quote that I have always like for times like this...

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” - Eskimo Proverb

Liesl :)

Ashley said...

So sorry to hear about your Grandad, Courtney! 77 years of marriage... wow. Hang on to those happy memories that you have, they really are what matters when someone leaves this earth. Life is incredibly fragile. Each day is a blessing. <3

kyna... said...

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. You are in my thoughts and prayers. This post brought tears to my eyes....it reminds me to be thankful for every day.
♥ Kyna

Shay said...

I don't know if you remember, but I lost my sweet grandpa about a month ago.Your grandpa sounds like he was a very special man. We are so lucky to know we can be with our families for eternity. Your family is in my prayers, sweet frend.

Kelly said...

I'm so sorry sweetheart. Even i with a beautiful life, wife, kids and experiences - it's still hard that we have to let them go. Thinking of you.

Jen said...

Sorry Courtney :-( I lost both my grandfathers and it was very hard. He was adorable! and 77 years of marriage- WOW!! That is something to be proud of for sure! I'll be thinking of you through this.. XOXOXO

Carlie said...

He sounds like a wonderful man.

Vivian said...

Sorry for your loss Courtney. As I read your post I am reminded again one more time on how grateful I am for having the gospel in my life and for the knowledge that families are forever. I want to live a life like him: Fulfilling.

m+b said...

Oh I remember your sweet grandparents & playing canasta at Lake Powell. SO much fun! They were so warm & welcoming. So sorry to hear about your lost, but it sounds like he lived a wonderful & long life!

Christina'Marie said...

So sorry Court! Both my grandparents are still alive & I can't even imagine either of them being gone... so I realize how hard it must be for you! Keeping your family in my prayers... sending a virtual hug!

Pamela said...

Aww Courtney!! I'm so sorry. This is such a sweet post! I will def be praying for you & your family. He sounds like such a wonderful man! I'm here to talk, if you need anyone!! I lost my Granny several years ago, today. Just remember all the wonderful times you had!! Sounds like you had many. 77 years of marriage - wow. That's what's everyone should look upto now a days!!

Karen said...

Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss. This was such a beautiful post honoring your Grandad. He sounds like a wonderful man!

Anonymous said...

What sweet words for your grand-dad. He must have been totally rad. You are truly blessed to have that!! Thank God for the comfort that granddad is with Jesus now. Sorry for your pain, my pretty friend. HUGS!

Sara SHOEmaker said...

Oh hun I'm so sorry! It's always hard losing a family member. 77 years of marriage is such an amazing accomplishment! I hope I get there someday :) I'll be thinking of you and your family hun


The House of Shoes

Meghan said...

I am so sorry for your loss. This post was a beautiful tribute to your grandfather - thinking of you during this time!

mary said...

Aww, blessings on you and your family during this difficult time darling! Grandparents are magical. And 97, that is super duper! Hugs on you, xox!

from head 2 toe said...

Wow. He lived a very long and successful life. Prayers to you & your family.

m&msmommy said...

Continuing to think about you and pray for you (and your family) during this difficult time. I apologize for not directly saying this yesterday, but when we were e-mailing I wasn't sure if it had just happened or was the "angelversary" of his passing. Sending love and prayers! :)

Lauren said...

Courtney, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! :( My prayers are with you and your family. I'm so glad he was able to live a long life with the ones he loved!
xo

dottie said...

So sorry Courtney! Your Grandad will live on in your heart! Hold dear to those memories and may they make you smile!

HUGS!

Dottie

memory said...

this is SO touching... it reminds me of my sweet great-grandparents that passed away a few years ago. they have such an amazing Christian legacy that is still living. they were married for about 71 years. i loved them both so much, and still do! it's great to hear of another marriage that lasted for a long, long time. there's not many of them these days, which is so very sad. they are living proof that it IS possible to be married to the same person for longer than just a few years.
i just love that last picture of you and your man with your grandparents.. so sweet.

Chase + Destiny said...

Im SO sorry for your lost. It is for sure hard losing someone you love. My thoughts are with you & your family!

Sean Marie said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have such great memories though. :)

Asha said...

You are blessed to have such great memories of your grandfather...and he was truly blessed to have lived such a long and happy life! We all have to go Home one day and I thank God for giving you peace and comfort during this time.

Amanda said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a lovely tribute to him. I'm sure he's smiling down on you from heaven!

Haley said...

oh hugs to you friend <3 Losing a sweet family member is always difficult. But what a blessing the hope of the Gospel provides, easing that pain...I hope your family (especially your grandma) is doing okay (77 years together is PHENOMENAL!). Your Grandad sounds like an amazing man. I loved reading about your memories with him :)

and yes to cherishing life even more! :)

The Presutti's said...

Praying for you and your family during these times! 77 years, wow, such an inspiration!

Katie said...

sorry to hear about your grandpa. I'm glad you were able to have such fond memories with him that is really a blessing

Megan said...

So so sorry to hear about your grandad! Praying for you and your family! This was a beautiful tribute!

Alexis Kaye said...

So sorry Courtney! Thinking of you. How great that you had such a special relationship with her :)

Ashley {hudson's happenings} said...

What a sweet tribute to a wonderful man! I'm so sorry for your loss. :( Hope you have peace knowing he lived a happy and full life and has gone home to God!

p.s. You are GORGEOUS in that top photo. I bet you sure made him proud. :)

Lauryn said...

So sorry for your loss Courtney <3

Jamie said...

I am sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom this summer. Death stinks.

Antoinette Musik said...

I am so sorry for your loss sweetie. What a touching and heartfelt tribute to your darling grandfater. He sounds like such an extraordinary man who lived a very full happy life. I can see the pride in his eyes on your wedding day and it warms my heart! He will always be there to watch over and protect you.
I wanted to share with you a beautifu quote that always helps me when I am missing my dad who died when I was 12.

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight"
Kahlil Gibran

Post a Comment

i admit it. i LOVE hearing from you!