Bittersweet Day

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. I received a phone call last Friday from a dear friend in Boston saying that her Grandmother had passed away. The funeral was yesterday and I thank the Lord that with my current state of part time employment I could drop everything and come be by Tiffany's side.

You see, I spent many hours in Grandmolly's pool each summer growing up and her husband Poppy had left us for heaven less than a year ago. Of course the pool has been filled in and turned into a garden. I haven't been to their house in years, but there is an intense sadness when someone so associated with your childhood is gone. Not to mention my hurt for my friend.

I've been down this road before. If you know me, you know that I don't have any grandparents left. From the time I was 20 until right before I turned 24 I went from having three grandparents at every major event in my life to none. It was a tough 3 years. My grandmother and grandfather died just under a year apart. Two years before that, my meema was taken by cancer. All these memories and more come back as I watch my friend struggle through the same pain.

But the joy - We know where Grandmolly is! We know that she is up in heaven rejoicing with Poppy and praising our Savior. Someone mentioned to me how joyful Baptist funerals seem to be. Because the funeral focuses on the fact that Grandmolly knew Jesus. In a personal way. And so now she is in heaven worshiping Him and in awe of all that He is. What peace there is in this. And hope.

And a joy that's closer to home! I have finally gotten to meet my sweet nephew! Ben was born two months ago in Massachusetts and I didn't have the money to go visit. I have been longing to hold him in my arms and to whisper in his ear how much I love him. Even from afar he is loved. So much. By an Aunt Joanna that he will only see a few times a year. And goodness. His sister Jackie is so cute and fun. Running everywhere and starting to learn words. I love these kiddos.

So there is my heart. Hurting but joyful. Holding on to the joy of the little ones while mourning what has been lost. And being here for whatever Tiffany needs. We sang a song at the funeral. One of my favorite hymns. Great is thy faithfulness. And it is so true. Morning by Morning new Mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.