Walking in Heaven

May 30, 2007 20:46

My grandpa died when I was 8. He was 90, but was healthy as could be up to a few days before he died. I remember being on the farm the day of his death. It was a gorgeous Minnesota day. Not a cloud in the sky, flowers blooming, the Mississippi River as calm, beautiful, and steady as ever. My family was torn apart. My grandpa was a rock, a center for the extended family. There were around 30 stunned people in a complete fog at the farm that day. And then there was me. I rode my bike in circles by myself, talking to grandpa. Out loud, even. I found myself staring at the amazing flower garden my grandpa so painstakingly took care of. I looked at the snapdragons, the irises, the daisies. I began to approach my family members.

"Dad, what's your favorite color?"
"Blue."
"Grandpa just told me he's up in heaven waiting for you with a garden full of the most beautiful blue flowers you've ever seen."

"Pat, what's your favorite color?"
"Red."
"Grandpa is planting red roses and tulips for you in heaven."

This was my way of coping. I had to believe that Grandpa continued to do what he loved so much and that he continued to love us from his new place in the sky.

Tonight, another angel has joined him. Jordan passed away around 7:20 p.m. tonight. She was surrounded by family throughout the day, and her parents, grandparents, two sisters and best friend held her hands as she faded out of this world and to Jesus. Her grandpa, Aubrey, said that he knew when she got up there they told her she could fly with the angels but that she'd say, "No, I'd just like to walk around for now." Walk - something, one of the only things, that she couldn't do here on Earth. Jordan, you touched so many in your short time here on Earth. I pray God holds you and your family in His hands. We miss you already.
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