Bittersweet Farewell

This weekend was AMAZING. I almost hate to say it like that considering the circumstances but I will give you my reasoning. This weekend we celebrated the life of Eric’s grandmother, Sophie. It was a bittersweet goodbye. She had been fighting cancer for a long time and was really suffering. It is comforting to know that she is no longer suffering and that she is in the presence of the Lord. But, it is really sad that she is no longer with us.

She was an amazing woman and I wish that I could have had more time with her earlier in her life. I met her about 5 years ago. I didn’t really get to know her until about 3 years ago. There are several things I love about her.

1) She has the biggest heart and a lot of love for the Lord. She always said that she would pray for things in our life and I truly believe she did.

2) She is one of the funniest people I know. She has the quickest wit I have heard/seen.

3) She wasn’t afraid to say the hard things.

4) She loved her family dearly.

5) And many more things....

I believe that God had perfect timing for this, not that it makes it any easier. It still doesn’t seem real. I know that it was really refreshing to have time away from a busy life schedule to spend with family and relax. As hard as it is/was to say goodbye, it brought on some much needed family time.

Things I loved doing...

1) Listening to the funny stories at Olive Garden

2) Watching Harper being confused about seeing her twin cousins Charlotte and Marisa

3) Playing a new game called “Spot It” (And yes, I already bought my own)

4) Playing Dutch Blitz

5) Seeing all of Eric’s family (Laura, Don, Ryan, Sharon, Wayne, Charlotte, Marisa, Carol, Amber, Lorena, Ken, Michaela, Josiah, Connor, Uncle John, Janna, Jo, Randy, Jacqui, and John)

6) Laughs at the bar...many, many laughs

7) Going to the Mall of America with Eric, Harper and Ryan...where I got an awesome looking pair of Merrells, a new Vera Bradley wallet, a pair of Columbia sport sunglasses and the game Spot It.

8) Dinner at Chipotle where Harper preceded to drink her bottle pretty much upside down and the Chipotle worker was so amazed/amused by her.

And probably many, many more fun times with family

I am not trying to be insensitive or hurt anyone’s feelings, so I hope that no one took this like that. I loved Sophie and she was an amazing woman. I believe that she would have wanted this for us.  I have grown closer to my husband and his family. As much as it hurts to say goodbye, God has his perfect plan. It was a time for us to get together and enjoy our family. It was also a time to mourn. Thank you for the amazing life you shared with us, Sophie. We will miss you.