Life is such a fragile thing. Though sometimes it takes an earthquake for us to realize this truth. Today my world received such a shaking. It was like any other Sunday, until I received a text message from my mother telling me that my grandpa was in cardiac arrest and that things were not looking good. A few minutes later she called me to tell me that he passed away. At first, I could hardly believe it, and then I felt a great sadness in my heart. What about my graduation, my brother's wedding, and the fishing trips we were going to take this summer? But most of all, I thought of my grandma and the certain pain and uncertain trepidation that she was experiencing.
My brother and I drove up to the hospital and then spent the remainder of the day with family--remembering grandpa and trying to comfort one another. This is really the first time I have faced death at this point in my life. Although it hurts, I have been comforted by my knowledge of God's plan and the future resurrection from the dead that we will all enjoy.
As I have reflected on these feelings, I noticed that there were several small blessings, or tender mercies, leading up to our loss. These tender mercies have brought reassurance to me. For instance, just last week, I felt like I should go home to spend some time with my family and I got to see my grandpa as well. How grateful I am that I didn't neglect that prompting. For me, the take away from today is not to delay a feeling to call or visit a family member or friend, for you never know when it might be too late. Life is such a fragile thing.
I agree about the tender mercies. We received a tender mercy in that we all got to see Grandpa when Nathan opened his mission call just a few days before his passing. I wish now that I'd taken the time to say a little more to him, but I am grateful that we got to see him one last time, and I know it was the hand of the Lord.
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