When my dad called last week and told me that he had some shocking news, my heart skipped a beat. No one likes to receive a phone call like that. :(
As it turns out, my 30 year old cousin, had passed away the day before. He was a delightful Christian young man who had fought physical ailments, including severe seizures, for years. As sad as I was to hear that he was gone, I couldn’t help but be thankful that he is now free. The memories flooded back as I thought back to the days I had spent with him growing up. I babysat many, many days for him and his siblings. Back when I was a teenager, I had loved caring for those kids!
And now Garrett was gone. His funeral was to be Friday. I felt a huge tug to be there – to see his siblings that I love so much. To see his mom and his dad. His grandpa. Yes, I wanted to be there.
By some miracle, we had a free weekend. Matt was out of town with the college soccer team, but the four boys and I headed south to spend time with family and to celebrate Garrett’s life. Asa, our 16 year old, drove most of the way. That is another Gratituesday post in and of itself. I have a kid old enough to drive me to Kansas and back. Wowza.
I am so thankful we were able to go. It was worth the trip just for the hugs. I loved hearing from Garrett’s sister as she told her new husband, “Laura babysat us all the time. She’s the one that made us awesome monkey bread.” Aw, how sweet that she remembered. :)
It’s amazing, isn’t it, that funerals become wonderful reunions with loved ones? In addition, while we were in Kansas, my younger boys got to have a great time with their cousins, my older boys got to work at my Dad’s Saturday auction (he’s a realtor/auctioneer), we got to go to my nephew’s birthday party, and I got to have a talk a mile a minute because we only have one hour together visit with my great friend Amy from The Finer Things in Life. We arrived home just in time to set our clocks back, hit the bed, and welcome Matt home from his trip.
God is so good to give us the energy and ability to make this trip happen. While we will all miss Garrett, I am so thankful that as we celebrated his life together with family and friends, then have some bonus time with others we love!
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Jessica says
what an amazing blessing and one you won’t regret. we once skipped an entire planned homeschool convention to help with a funeral from our church and the only peace I had was when we finally said ‘no’ to the conference and rearranged our entire weekend just to be with this family. The blessing was amazing!
Antoinette says
That sounds like a great trip, even though a sad one. And what a blessing that you have a son who can help out with the driving! Thanks for sharing, Laura. :-)
Jamie Garcia says
What a blessing to know he is in Heaven, free from pain and suffering, and that you guys will one day have a BIG reunion! No more “talking a mile a minute” in Heaven, we’ll have eternity to catch up! \o/
Lisa says
So sorry about your cousin, Laura. What a blessing, though, for you and your son and for the rejoicing that your cousin is with the Lord. Sharing my thoughts on turning 50 and the blessing it is. :) Thanks for hosting, ~Lisa
Sandra says
It may sound strange but two of the best events I was at this year was my sons wedding and the funeral of the mother of a friend. The wedding was fun and the funeral was uplifting, I’m glad I was there.
Elaine says
I’m sorry for your loss but it sounds like he was a blessing in your life. And a joyful reunion with family… Yay! She remembered your monkey bread…. you were a talented cook even then. :0)
Amy @ Finer Things says
I’ve only said, “Oh! We forgot to talk about _______!” 457 times since Saturday. ;)
Dottie says
While I am sorry to hear that you lost a cousin, it is indeed good that he is no longer in pain. How nice that you got to go home and visit with family and friends for a little while, to celebrate his life.
Brooke says
So glad you got to be there and spend time with family. So sad, but yes, like you said, it’s so nice to be able to rejoice when we know someone we love has no more pain and get’s sit at the throne of Jesus!
I am so thankful that I only have to wait one more week til my hubby and I escape for a week and celebrate our 10 year anniversary!!!
Charlotte Moore says
Sorry for your loss. Thank the LORD you were able to be with the family. I am sure that meant so much to them.
BLESSINGS!!!