RIP Grandpa

Date: 16 October 2009 08:38:51

My Mum phoned me this morning to tell me that my lovely Grandpa had died peacefully in the early hours of the morning. He had been deteriorating for some time, really since this photo was taken at my Dad's 60th birthday party a couple of years ago, and he was in a nursing home now. Grandpa was an amazing man. He told terrible jokes... for example whenever you asked him if he was well he would always reply "You can never be too well" or if you asked him if he was alright he would reply "No, I'm half left". He had a beautiful wide smile that greeted you every time you walked in the room and his smile always reached his eyes. He certainly didn't have an easy life. His first wife Grandma Anita died of breast cancer when my Dad was 19. He then went onto marry Grandma Mary and today would have been their 40th wedding anniversary. They exchanged their gifts just two days ago, and today Grandpa went to be with Jesus. Grandpa was also a Gideon, and I blogged about that here. His faithfulness in talking to people about Jesus was unwavering, and even when in hospital he always had a Gideon Testament ready to give out if he was able to. Such faith, and such conviction. Every time I went home over the last year I said my goodbyes to him. I always knew that it could, and at some point would, be the last time I could say my goodbyes to him. He prayed for us regularly and I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that Grandpa loved me passionately. I also know, beyond anything else, that Grandpa is where he most wanted to be. Safe with his beloved Saviour. The one in whom he has put his trust for 90+ years and the one to whom he was continually running, even when he couldn't get out of his bed. He kept this little poem in his bible and i think it sums him up perfectly.

From My Heart I've known the Master for many years And I've tried him o'er and o'er, Honest I can tell you know I truly love Him more and more With every passing year. Nobody loves you like Jesus loves Nobody cares like He cares. You'll never have a truer friend: He died that you might live again. He will bring peace to your troubled heart, Comfort from every pain. He will bring you joy like you've never known. So trust Him and you will have life again. Make Jesus your very own.

So, a la perchoine Grandpa. I love you and I know that you are now resting where you have always wanted to be. xxx