Stop and smell the roses

I am sure that most of you know, We lost my dad today. Wow what a trooper. It has been almost 9 years since his first stroke. It has seemed like for ever ago, but now looking back it seems like yesterday we were all at the hospital sitting waiting for a doctor to come and john cussing yes cussing because he wanted to go home. When he made up his mind that was how it was and he was only a little on the STUBBORN side, and he was stubborn up to the last breathe. He fought hard and long, but his body was in rough shape. It was quiet and peaceful and I wouldn't have had it any other way. With mom by his side. She was there every step of the way. But the hardest part of this has been explaining to a 5 year old where grandpa john was going and what was going to happen. I talked to him about how he would meet his dad again. Then I told him how john was going to get to be back in his healthy body and run and jump, and be able to kick a little butt if someone needed it. So Porter asked me " When will John be back from getting his new body from Jesus?" UH UH UH

Tonight I pulled out the scrapbook and started looking. Yes and started crying again and porter said mom you thinking about John again..... UH UH YEP

SO then I turned to a page that had all the little cards that come when you get flowers sent to you. Every year on my birthday I hurried home and did not plan to leave until my flowers from my dad made it. There were about 8 years of cards all saying " I love you , From Dad" , or I love you Dolly ( that is what he called Jami and I). Wow those were real tear jerkers right now.

Then as we are looking through the scrapbook porter says " Mom maybe Jesus will send us a picture of him and grandpa john". UH UH OH PLEASE DO..

So then the tears are pouring and he says Just wipe your tears on my shirt it will make you feel better. Young faith and innocence. At moms house today the kids were running around and said let's go check on grandpa John. They also talked to each other about how they all ready miss him. After they had taken John from his home of more than 30 years, I just felt empty. He has struggled the last few years and not really been to involved with us, but I always knew he was there. But he is not longer there. I know he has moved onto a bigger and better place and he is with his father. But I miss him. I knew it was coming and thought I was ready. But I wasn't. So if you are still reading this please call your dad and let him know you love him and what he really means to you. I would give anything to sit out on our swing again and shoot the brease with mine.