“Until We Meet Again"

It was just over one week ago (Saturday, February 3^rd) that I received word that my dear Grandpa had suffered a massive heart attack. On Sunday morning, my Mom called me and asked that I come home to the hospital to be with my Grandpa and my family. This meant that Grandpa was not going to get better this time. As I walked into his room and sat down by his bed, he opened his eyes and looked at me, smiled his usual goofy smile and waved at me. Classic Grandpa. The next visit was very disturbing, as he was in so much pain. Soon after, our entire family was called in and we prayed together and with Grandpa. We kept reminding him that it would only be “just a little while longer.”

Later that night, Grandpa woke up and he looked at everyone in the room, did his usual wave and very confidently said, “Until we meet again.” He knew. And how confident he was in the Lord’s promise of eternal life!

And about one week ago today, right around this time, I was with my Grandpa as he spent his last few moments with us on earth. I really cannot describe what it was like to witness his last few breaths and then know that he was gone. I just do not understand. But as I recall those few minutes, I remember my Mom on her knees right beside Grandpa, talking to him about how amazing it was to see Jesus. She kept on saying, “Take Jesus’ hand, Dad; Take Jesus’ hand.”

Grandpa did take Jesus’ hand. At times this week, I’ve thought about how nice it would be to just leave this life and take Jesus’ hand, just like Grandpa did. But because of my Grandpa’s wonderful example and extraordinary character, I have learned that I need to continue doing my work here to the best of my ability for the sole purpose of honouring God. I admire the faith my Grandpa had. Christ’s love and strength just flowed through him. He had such a servant’s heart and I will forever be honoured to have been one of his granddaughters.

I had a special moment at Christmas with my Grandpa. I knew as I said goodbye on Christmas Day that God had just given me the most precious Christmas gift: the last really great conversation I’d ever have with Grandpa. I don’t know how I knew, but I did. And Grandpa knew too – he was crying. For such a quiet man, his ability to convey his love and pride was amazing. How thankful I am to have had the moment.

A favourite hymn of our family’s is My Jesus I Love Thee. I asked Jackie to sing it at the funeral because it really is a perfect fit for Grandpa.

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Grandpa, I know you are singing in Glory and worshiping our Lord with endless delight!

I love you and miss you so much. Until we meet again.