I have to say that I honestly feel I won the jackpot when it comes to family. I have fond memories of my parents, sister, grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins. As a young child, I had to move out of state with my parents and sister. I longed for those “trips back home” to see my family. Trips were often short, but during those times I have some of the most powerful memories.
One such memory was a conversation I had with my grandfather. My grandfather was a hard worker, often working several jobs to care for his family. He was also a very generous man. He was always sliding a little money in your pocket. As a small kid I thought it was great! He always asked if I needed anything and always made sure he sent “Christmas Money.” But as I got older I realized that maybe my grandfather should be saving his money. What if he got sick? So, on one of my visits with my grandfather I asked him, “Grandpa, why do you give us so much? You don’t have to give us anything.” My grandfather simply smiled and said, “Don’t worry about me. I want to die a poor man; you can’t take it with you.” He went on to explain, “As you get older you realize that someday you will be gone. I want to see you enjoy things I give you now. Everyone assumes that when you go to Heaven you get to look down on your loved ones. I don’t want to experience your joy from the things I give you while looking down from Heaven, I want to be with you and see it while I’m alive. Besides no one knows for sure what happens when we go to Heaven. I may not be able to keep an eye on you from Heaven. God may have jobs for us? God may need me to be a Soldier of Christ or a guardian angel to another in need.”
At first I found my grandfather’s comment amusing…my grandfather, the soldier, waving around a sword and fighting off evil. Bet then I really thought about what he was saying. Life is short. Be kind and generous. Make memories. God has plans for all us. And I can’t imagine a better soldier for God to have in his army than my grandfather. Rest in peace Grandpa; I miss you.
What a sweet post. I have always felt like my Grandfather was watching over me after he died. It has always given me comfort.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Love this, that is SO our Grandpa…we hit the jackpot with our family for sure!!!! Thanks for posting this, it made me feel like he came down for a visit as I was reading it! Xoxo
So glad you liked the post! Sure do miss him. Love you!