Good morning friends.
It's been a difficult and weird week for me. I lost my grandfather a week ago. Wow, that feels real to say.
He was 88 years old and lived a great life, I just didn't expect to lose him yet. Granddaddy Ted was an amazing and interesting man. He was in the Navy and served in World War II in the South Pacific.
He had great stories, he loved my grandma and faithfully served our family and his country. I think he loved making his grandchildren and great grandchildren laugh more than anything.
I was lucky enough to have grown up near most of my family and was I able to be around my grandparents for much of my life. And, it makes me so happy that my son has been able to get to know them too.
Recently granddaddy mailed my son some coins and little man was ecstatic! He loved being around his grandchildren. He loved giving to us. He was a kind and gentle soul and I'm thankful for all the sweet memories.
These are only a few things about him and his life but he was so much more to all of us.
The service was a military service and it was beautiful. American flags, veterans and gun salutes. It was special and I really think it gave us some peace.
I haven't been able to write much this week but something just wasn't sitting right with me.
During all of this I felt uneasy, not only because it all felt surreal but also because no one knew. You, my readers, no one other than family and friends. I kept trying to figure out where this was coming from. Several times over the past few days I almost posted about granddaddy on Instagram and Facebook but the feeling that I "had to" irritated me.
Why did I feel the need to post about this personal experience? Is social media that addicting? It was really driving me crazy. Then it finally clicked. I share so many other aspects of our lives with you, our projects, our pets, our family, my heart, that it felt like I was hiding something. I consider many of you friends and I'm so thankful for my loyal readers that I felt dishonest.
Once I figured this out it made me feel better. I didn't have to be mad at social media. I don't have to feel like I'm selling my soul. All I needed was to share our life, the good and the bad, because that's what it is...Life.
I learned a lot this week about love and family and what the people in our lives mean to us. That no matter what we're family. We should stand by each other in love. We should help each other in the joy and the pain. Silly things should not pull us apart, nope, God's plan for us is much greater than that.
We've been going through a lot lately, mostly the busyness of life, but when things seem cloudy and gray I need Him to lead me. Life is hard.
"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25: 4-7
I love this happy picture from the day.
I think the blessing in loss is that love finds a way to shine through. However tragic the loss there is usually love waiting to rise up and comfort. Our family experienced an outpouring of love this week and we are grateful. Thank you all who prayed and offered words of comfort.
And to juxtapose the loss we faced we also celebrated little man's 6th birthday. Talk about joy and pain, up and down. I'm exhausted. But, I've never seen so much joy and excitement from my sweet boy in one short period. In a way I think it was a blessing for us, a reprieve.
This picture says it all!
We didn't do anything fancy, we just had friends and family over to enjoy some backyard play, pizza and lots of Legos!!
We spent a lot of time in the yard over the weekend getting ready for the party and we really took notice some beautiful things in our tiny little slice of earth. I'll leave you with some pictures we captured of life right outside our door.
There's something about new life that breeds hope for the future don't you think?
Our DIY planter box filled with flowers.
Do you spy the baby bird beaks in the picture below?
Pebbles in my son's playset instead of sand.
The beginnings of our labor of love garden.
A random flower had fallen to the ground and I stuck it on our beautiful bird house, one of my favorite things in our yard. Old and new.
Thursday night after granddaddy passed away I was talking to little man in his bed. I was trying to explain what was going on in simple words his tiny heart would understand. He didn't say much, just listened and when I was getting ready to leave he put his hands up like this and didn't say a word.
Granddaddy used to put his hands together like this and pretend it was a fish swimming through the air to get us and there isn't a child in our family that wouldn't recognize and remember this. That was all my heart needed to see. My son knew his great granddaddy, at least for awhile, but that's all that matters.
We will miss him dearly. Thank you for faithfully reading.
vegunta
Classic Air Conditioner
Elaine Conner Todd
Summer, I have never met you, but I grew up with your mom and your aunt Kathy. Your grandmother was there for me when I lost my Mother. She is a very special lady.Your grandfather was a good caring, loving and good Christian Man. You are a very fortunate lady to have had such loving parents and grandparents.
I am sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. God bless you.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Elaine! I'm so glad you commented here and it's nice to "meet you". I'm so glad that you loved my grandparents too and I am so thankful for the time that we had with granddaddy.
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So so sorry again for your loss.
And happy birthday to your little man.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thank you so much Julia, I really appreciate it!
Debbie Hogan
So sweet! I'm in tears. Grandaddy loved you and all his grand and great grands!
Your pics are beautiful as usual!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks mom, I know he did!
Kayla @ KR Dixon Designs
Awwww Summer such a hard time to go through a loss like that. I haven't yet had to say goodbye to a grandparent but mine are around the same age and I know it is coming soon. I'll be praying for you and your family. Such a sweet little thing your boy did! Those are the moments that make the hard times a little easier. :)
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Kayla! It was hard but I'm so thankful to have had him around for so long!
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com
This is so beautiful, Summer! Right from your heart! So glad you have such precious memories of your Granddaddy! Will be praying for you in this season on loss.... Thankful tho' for that verse in Psalms "joy comes in the morning!" Glad for the joy that L brings to your life. It feels like we are walking the same journey as our daughter begins gr 1 too! :)
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Kendra! I am thankful that we had him for so long and having littles around helps so much! I can't believe kindergarten is already over, right?!?!
Beth
Man you really had all ends of the emotional spectrum these past couple weeks! You are not selling your should for sharing. I know what you mean though but I am glad you told us and I am glad you got to end the week on a happy note with that precious boy!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Beth! This bloggy, social media thing is such a tough balance but we did end on a high note! Thanks for your sweet words!
Christine
Really beautifully put Summer. Thank you.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks Christine!
cassie
that last photo has me so teary eyed, summer!!! your little guy is so sweet. happy birthday to him!
and i want to say you are sooooooo lucky to have had your grandfather for so long. my grampa was so special to me, but he passed away from cancer when i was 9 and i still miss him, and i wish my kids had met him. he's adore them! i am so glad your little guy got to know him and you got to witness that. thinking of you and sending you lots of love.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Aww man, I'm making people cry today :( Thank you Cassie for your sweet note and I'm sorry you lost your grandfather. I am thankful that we had a long time with him!
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Beautifully written,(tears on my face) Summer! Sounds like your grandfather was a great man! It was his time to go. So sorry for your lost, keeping you and your family in my thoughts!Hugs♥
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Aww, thank you so much Aniko! He had a great 88 years here!
Jeanine
Summer, I am so sorry for your loss. The last picture of your son's hands brought tears to my eyes when you explained its symbolism. Your grandfather sounded like a great man. I am thankful for his service for our country.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thank you so much Jeanine! He was a great man and I am thankful for our veterans too!
Rachel
I'm so sorry for your loss, Summer. He sounds like a wonderful man!
And happy birthday to Liam!!! First grade, here he comes!!!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Rachel!! I can't believe kindergarten is over :(
Lesley Metcalfe
So sorry for your loss, Summer. This was a lovely post; your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful man. All the best to you and your family as you cope through this difficult time.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thank you so much Lesley, I really appreciate your sweet note and well wishes!
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Summer, Thank you for sharing your loss with us through such a lovely post. Hugs to you. Beautiful photos. Happy Birthday to your darling son! xo, Emily
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks Emily, you're so sweet!
Jill Kenley
Great tribute to a great man. He was loved by many!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Jill! He was!
Krystine @ www.Krystine.edwards.com
I just cried. I am so sorry. I lost my grandfather the day before my birthday many years ago. He was more like my dad since I grew up without one. It's hard to say good bye, time does heal the pain. Thinking about you and your family
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks Krystine! I'm sorry for you loss and glad you had a wonderful grandfather in your life. They are the best!
Mallory
What a beautiful post, sweet friend. Your honestly and outlook on things are so refreshing. L is one lucky little guy! Prayers for your family and hoping that you have a relaxing weekend!
xo
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much sweet friend!!
Amber
Oh Summer, what a beautiful post in so many ways. Praying for a relaxing, peace filled weekend. You are precious and are blessed to be close to family and friends!
P.S. I adore your honesty!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thank you so much Amber, I'm glad you like it and I really appreciate you kind words!
Lisa @ Shine Your Light
Summer, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather sounds wonderful - how blessed you were to have him in your life, and for your son to know him. I never knew either of my grandfathers and both my grandmothers passed away when I was growing up, and I think of them all often and wish I could have the chance to sit down with them and hear their stories. It fills up my heart to hear about your little boy remembering him with the fishy hands, and to see his joy at his birthday party. Having kiddos around is so therepeutic and good for the soul when life is hard! xxoo
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Lisa! Oh, the little ones do help so much! Grandparents really are special and I'm so grateful for the time we did have!