Hey friends, how are you today? How was your weekend? Was it sunny or rainy in your neck of the woods? Did you complete any past due projects? Today is a beautiful day. The sun is out, although it is a bit chillier than yesterday, but today is a good day. Over the weekend, we began a project that really (as far as I am concerned) should have taken only one day, because ‘done’ is my motto. But of course, I’ve shared with you, my husband’s determination for everything he does, to be not just ‘done’ but ‘done well’. Admittedly, we did add one more thing, which should have taken one more day, but… here we are four days later. We are putting the ‘finishing’ touches on a bathroom project; we began last year. Yep!! You read that right! Last year! Anyhoo…

Although I cannot really place all the blame on him, (Mr. Perfectionist); because on Sunday, we received sad news, which kind of slowed us down. My grandfather, a wonderful man, that I absolutely loved, went home to be with the Lord. Although I expected this news; although I thought I had prepared myself; I guess I was not as prepared as I probably should have been. I do need to preface this by letting you know, my grandfather lived to be 95 years old. Yes… he was certainly up there; do I even want to live to be 95? Thankfully, the Lord kept his sanity intact for all of these 95 years. To God be the glory.

To help me process this change in my life, I thought I would share with you a little of my grandfather. He was always a constant in my life. Very rarely was he absent, when I would come for a visit. As a little girl, growing up, most of my summers were spent with my grandfather at his very country home. He didn’t have electricity, when I first started coming to visit. He didn’t even have running water; oh the trials!!!

Needless to say, at that time I didn’t always like to visit, even though I liked him very much. Sometimes we would just sit together; there was no need to fill the silence with words. Somehow, he always knew; but it wasn’t always necessary to talk. My grandfather always accepted me, in spite of the fact that he had several grandchildren. I never felt like I needed to be anyone else but me in his presence. I never had to be as fast as… or as good as… or as brilliant as… It was always okay to be just me; Brenda.

Even during the times, when he knew why I was sent there, more than likely because of my rebellious teenage years; he was always there; no questions, no judgement. I loved my grandfather. And I thank the Lord for the time we had together. The Lord kept him for me, though he was more than ready to go home.

Thank You Lord, for my ‘Papa Kenny’ one of the few men, in my life at that time, that made me believe that there was hope for men in this world.
Sorry, I have been absent lately, but I promise to be back soon. Did I also tell you the girls are coming home for Fall Break? I didnt? Well do forgive me… the girls are coming home to Fall Break! Now; you know. Soo… how was your weekend? Do you have good memories of your grandfather?

Let’s continue the conversation over on Instagram. Follow my Instagram and I will follow back, just let me know in the comment section. I would love to meet you 🙂

84 responses to “DEATH BELLS ARE RINGING (AGAIN!)”
Sorry for you loss Brenda. It will be fun one day to say, “Oh, you’re Brenda’s grandpa.” BTW – Don’t get to hung up on projects and completion. I read an article saying, “Most gazebo’s can be built in a weekend. It took 3 years. Take care my friend. https://nofearfreedom.com/2017/12/09/gazebo-build/
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 Thank you for these very encouraging words 🙂 It is truly a blessing to my soul 🙂 May the Lord bless you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear about your loss, Brenda.
Enjoy your sweet daughters’ visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for sharing in my loss 🙂 the time spent with the girls was definitely what my soul needed 🙂 Thank you
LikeLike
I’m so glad you could have that precious time with them. The Lord bless you, sister. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 🙂 God bless you
LikeLike
You’re welcome, and thank you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry for your loss…so glad you have good, positive memories of your grandfather, Brenda ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thank the Lord for this wonderful man in my life 🙂 He definitely left me with good memories
LikeLike
What a loving grandfather! The people who are there when others don’t want to put up with us…are some amazing and incredible people. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
amen 🙂 At the time, I did not understand how much of an impact he would have on my life 🙂 but how I appreciate the time the Lord gave us together
LikeLiked by 2 people
He sounded lovely Brenda, how blessed to have such an upright man in your life growing up!
I too loved my grandad who I called Gramps, he died many years ago but his memory is sweet & brings a smile 😀 ♥
Blessings,
Jennifer
LikeLike
He most certainly one of the two best men in my life as a child. He loved me 🙂 grandparents are the absolute best. I pray my future grandchildren say that about me 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absent from the body but present with the Lord!
So sorry for your loss. Even when we know it’s hard to comprehend. A blessing is the assurance that our loved one is with the Lord which is also very encouraging and healing for us. Blessings to you and your family. Elfriede
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for these encouraging words, Elfriede. Knowing that my grandfather is with our Lord Jesus, has truly brought peace
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear of your loss, Brenda. Even though we may mentally prepare for someone’s passing, it never can prepare us completely for the reality. You are so blessed to have those wonderful memories of your grandfather. I know you will treasure them and him always! My grandparents have all passed on now and my favorite memories were of my paternal grandfather and his wife. I will treasure them both in their own separate ways always. They gave me such wonderful times spent together not doing much of anything except for just being. Praying for you and your family! God Bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘except just being’… that reminds me of my granddad so very much 🙂 Thank you for weeping with me during this time 🙂 I most certainly appreciate it. Grandparents are special, thank God for them
LikeLiked by 1 person
The joy of the Lord strengthen you and your family Brenda. Thank you for sharing your Papa Kenny. He sounds like he was such a precious man. My grandfather was a constant in my life as well. He was so very precious to me. I LOVED sitting right up under him; and feeling his body shake with laughter. He was a joyful man. My absolute most favorite thing to hear him say was: “I love you and don’t you forget that.” Blessings to you and our family!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such good memories, they certainly knew how to spread the joy around, praise the Lord 🙂 Thank God for grandfathers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My condolences to you and your family. I am glad you girls are coming home. May God continue to comfort all of you with his love and peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Their presence have certainly been a blessing, praise the Lord 😉 He is good to me. Thank you for sharing this time with me
LikeLike
Sorry for your loss ma’am. His comfort for you and the family. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you so very much, my friend 🙂 I so do appreciate it; May the Lord bless you
LikeLike
You are welcome ma’am. Amen. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or perhaps….could it just be that Grandparents saved the sweetest part of their love just for us!
I think that’s it! 😏
Understanding your loss!
God Bless You and Yours! Amen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly it 🤣🤣 my mom tells a different story, but I like mine better 😁 thanks for the comfort, my friend
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. People seem to think it’s easier if they were older like he was but there is still a huge void in our lives. I lost my one grandmother at 93 and she was as sharp as anything up until the day she passed. It was still hard, even when people said “well, she had a long life!” She did but it didn’t make losing her any easier.
LikeLiked by 1 person
amen and thank you for expressing exactly what I was thinking 🙂 Sometimes it’s hard telling people how old he was because they tend to trivialize his death. But we do grieve with hope
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m really sorry for your loss my friend. I’m very sure he is in a better place. Take heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, that’s the part that has been truly comforting. He is with the Lord and I know if given the choice, he would choose Jesus
LikeLike
Take heart my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
You welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for your loss sweetie. Pops Kenny sounds like he was a very special man and y’all were very blessed.
I pray God gives you and your family peace and comfort in this time of need. Big hugs💗🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, thank you, this time is both happy and sad, but hopeful because we will meet again
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heading to your Instagram now and will follow you from The_Essential_Creative. That’s my account for my blog here! I’ve missed reading your posts! Have fun with your girls. I’m sorry about your grandpa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you my friend; I will look out for you 🙂 the Lord has been good to me by giving me such memories, especially during this time
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy to hear that! Just went over. I got distracted last night after commenting and forgot to log in via the app! Thank God for the memories. Have a beautiful evening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊 God bless you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your Papa Kenny was a wonderful man and I’m so sorry for your loss, Brenda. Your memories of your many special times with him are such a treasure. God bless you as you grieve.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, though we grieve we take heart because we know that he is with the Lord as we speak
LikeLike
I know you will miss him. This was a wonderful post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, to God be all the glory 🙂 Comfort is the gift the Lord has brought to us through His Holy Spirit
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing your Papa Kenny with us. Praying God’s comfort and peace over you and your family ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, though we mourn, we do so with the hope that we will meet again 🙂
LikeLike
Take heart! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, so very much. The Lord has indeed brought comfort our way
LikeLiked by 1 person
Alleluia! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss, Love the memories you shared of him. No matter how much you feel you prepared for their passing, it still affects you ( I had a similar experience with my grandfather who lived to 96). May the Lord comfort you at this time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, we’ve inherited some of that good ‘age’ stock 🙂 🙂 Thank you for the prayers
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry for your loss that is bittersweet. Full of sweet memories, hope because he is with Jesus and you will see him again, yet also sad to lose, temporarily, someone so dear.
Your daughters are coming home for fall break. Will your husband go shopping with the 3 of you? lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 That man will run in the opposite direction 🙂 He has even surrounded the car to our firstborn in the hopes that he will not have to drive 🙂 Just thinking about my grandpa puts a smile to my face. He did leave me with many good memories for which I am grateful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe you can say something like- You can stay home and watch sports just give us some money for shopping. 🙂 lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are my favorite words to him 😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss! Even if we expect it, it can still be hard. We still grieve. At least you know he is hanging out with Jesus. I pray that the fond memories you have with him will help you through the difficult days ahead. It sounds like he was a wonderful grandfather!
LikeLiked by 1 person
he was certainly the best and I know that even though he loved me, he will not give up his place with the Lord. He will probably say ‘deal with it’ 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
May God fill your heart and that of your family members with peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you, thank you for this prayer; it is truly comforting
LikeLiked by 1 person
Condolences on losing your beloved grandfather. I lost my “Pa” in the 90’s and I still miss his wry sense of humor and the funny stories he would tell. He died of a brain tumor and was in a lot of pain before he passed away, so I was almost relieved to let him go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes; toward the end, my grandpa suffered quite a bit too, unfortunately. He is in a better place, where pain cannot make an entrance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry for your loss 🌷💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Krista 🙂 He is certainly in a better place; In the presence of our Lord
LikeLiked by 1 person
My grandfather was a mellow, easy going country man as well. My dad, aunties and uncles begged to differ, but his 23 grandchildren thought all his children were making up stories about how hard a dad he was. I think they just got tired of working the farm life! Grandparents are the absolute best! Thank You Jesus!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 🙂 We are told the same things about our grandpa. But we do not believe a word; 🙂 Grandparents are the best and my grandpa was truly my favorite
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry for your loss. Praying that the Lord comforts you and your family.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you so very much for your prayers, our hearts are truly comforted by it.
LikeLike
My Deepest Condolences Brenda. May your heart be comforted at this sad time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Barbara. These are sad times, indeed. He was my mom’s last parent and I know she mourns, but we are reminded that we are not without hope
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your Papa Kenny with us. What a wonderful man; and what a wonderful God to share him with you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
amen 🙂 to our great and mighty God be all glory 🙂 He certainly knew what I needed and provided me with the balance, I needed at that time.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Papas are special❤️ I rejoice with you that he’s in Heaven. I enjoyed reading about your special memories with him. I’m sorry for your loss 🌸
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you, my friend. Yes, he is certainly is a pain-free place, although he will be dearly missed; we have the hope that one day we will meet again
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, the sure promise of ”hope!” 🧡
LikeLiked by 2 people
Praise the Lord!
LikeLike
I am going to miss Papa dearly. He was fond of his grand children; I always felt so loved when I went to visit. I saw him on Saturday and got the bad news on Sunday.
Anyway, another beautifully written piece Brenda.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you sis; I will miss him and our times together, we mourn, though with hope, together. May the Lord bless you as you stand in the gap for us
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for your loss dearest friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, It has been comforting knowing that people are praying during this time. May the Lord continue to bless you
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry for your loss. May your grandfather’s soul transition in shalom.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you 🙂 Although he is absent from us, he is present with the Lord. I know he will always make that decision if given that choice again
LikeLiked by 2 people
Brenda, may our LORD comfort you and your family during this time. All of my grandparents are in heaven now and I was never “ready” for any of them to pass on. However, God always brought comfort, peace, love, and, yes, joy, to each situation right when I needed it most. 🌈❤🙏
Psalm 139, the whole chapter, is one of my absolute favorites and has healed my heart through many trials in this life.
I love the memories you shared of your grandfather, especially just sitting with him in silence. Reminds me of my grandpa and I on his farm in Indiana.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank God for good grandparents 🙂 They certainly know to fill that void perfectly. Thank you for that chapter, I was reminded of it throughout this period. Thank you for your prayers
LikeLiked by 1 person