Snapshots of Memories

15 years ago:

The call that said to get to the hospital ASAP.

The car ride.

Praying for a miracle.

Walking into the ICU ward and seeing my Uncle Bobby with his head in his hands.

It was at that moment I knew.

My grandfather had passed away.

The look on my grandfather’s face just minutes after he went to be with the Lord.

No more wrinkles and a smile on his face.

Knowing beyond a doubt God existed.

Being so angry with God for taking my Grandpa.

Overwhelming grief.

Sitting at the kitchen table watching my Grandma break down.

Seeing her cry for the first time.

Waiting for the funeral to take place.

Holding Joey (2 months old) and telling him about his Grandpa through my tears.

The candle next to his casket flickering as I cried and cried.

"Going home" written on his casket.

My Aunt Becky and Aunt Patsy trying to comfort me.

Standing in awe over the amount of people who came to show their respect.

Looking at the cabinet full of candy and me wondering if anybody would think to fill it.

The day after the funeral boarding a bus to Denver to see the Pope.

Crying as the Pope gave mass.

Wanting to go home.

Watching tears from my friend, Karen, fall to the ground as she tried to comfort me.

Moving in with my Grandmother.

This week:

The phone call from my friend.

Her dad had passed away.

Listening to her story of what happened.

Trying to find the words to provide some comfort.

God taking control and giving me the words to say.

Watching my friend comfort her daughter.

The rainbow that appeared as I walked out of the church.

Big hugs.

Beautiful flowers.

The feeling of love in the church.

Crying.

Praying.

A joyful reception.

Children running around.

Babies cooing.

People laughing.

Family and friends coming together to celebrate a wonderful man.

(My grandpa went to be with the Lord on August 5, 1993. Charles, my friend's dad, went to be with the Lord on August 3, 2008.)