My Grandpa Tschetter is in the hospital, close to being Home. It all happened so fast, it's really hard to actually believe and wrap my mind around. Last week he started feeling like maybe he had the flu, went to the doctor who discovered he had acute leukemia, and now he is stuggling to breathe and so sick. He went into the hospital last Friday and today is Wednesday.
I have been so sad, crying off and on every day since Friday, sometimes so overcome I have to excuse myself. But in the midst of all my tears, I really want to write about him, what I think of when I think of him and what he means to me.
My grandpa is faithfulness. He is a servant, never complaining, and doing things that most of us would never think of to help out. He is quiet, but strong. Just his presence is a comfort. He is twinkling eyes and a soft chuckle. He is homeade icecream and bingo. He is integrity and dignity. He is a strong handshake and hug. He is the one who helps me out the door when I visit, carrying boys or bags, and helping me with carseat buckles. He is a caretaker, of his home, yard, and vehicles. He is an observer, taking it all in. He is careful and punctual. He is a husband, loving and taking care of my Grandma so well.
Yesterday I was crying and Eli came up and asked me what was wrong. I explained that Grandpa Tschetter was really sick and would probably be in heaven soon. He looked at me so earnestly and said, "He's going to heaven? Well, then we will see him again, mom, you don't have to cry. You don't have to cry, mom."
And you know what, he is abolutely right, and it did stop my tears for a little while at least. It's just so hard to imagine life without him, hard to imagine my Grandma, hard to imagine family gatherings, hard to imagine their home, without him there.
I guess I just want to thank him for being the cornerstone of our family, and leading us so well. He has left a legacy of faith, always pointing us to Christ, and reminding us of what is most important, loving the Lord with our heart, soul, and mind.
Thanks Grandpa, I love you.
mary--thanks for sharing about your grandpa. it sounds like our grandpas had a lot in common. thinking about yours helped me remember mine. we are still struggling to deal with the loss of bill's grandmother as well...
ReplyDeletewe're praying for you and your family. i know how difficult this is. the joyful sadness as we know they are better in heaven but we grieve the loss is a hard mix of emotions to deal with...