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Friday, October 31, 2008

Letting go and saying goodbye...

It is really hard to let go of the people we love and say goodbye. Papa Jim lived a long and loving life and he passed away last night. We know that he is no longer suffering and is at peace in heaven. It is still hard to let go.

Lily, Graeme and I arrived in Louisiana about 7:30 p.m. last night. We went straight to the hospital and my friend Angela met us there. She entertained and fed Lily and Graeme while I went to see Papa Jim. My sister said it best when she told me that I was trully blessed with wonderful friends and I am. God placed Angela right where I needed her last night and I am forever grateful!

I saw Jim and he was fighting so hard to breathe. His whole family was there and everyone knew that he was letting go. There was so much love in that room for this wonderful man. All of his children, many of his grandchildren, my mother and all of her children were with him. I would love to say that his transition was peaceful but this strong man fought until the end. Bless him! I know that he is at peace now and that is a blessing.

As I was updated while driving, I shared with Lily as best I could what was happening. We talked about how Papa Jim had lived a long life and that God and Jesus may need him in heaven soon. (How do you explain something you hardly comprehend to a child) We talked about how we would not get to see Papa Jim and that would make us and lots of other people sad. We also talked about how Papa Jim would live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Last night, I told Lily that Papa was now in heaven and we talked more about how he lived in her heart. We talked about how he would be there in spirit for so many things that she would do that he would have missed because we lived so far away. One of the biggest events that we talked about was when she dances in the Nutcracker. I told her that he will be able to see her from heaven. She then exclaimed, "Oh Mama...Papa Jim will get to dance in the Nutcracker too since he is in my heart!" Then she giggled the sweetest most contagious giggle and I got tickled too. Then she said, "Mama, I feel so much love in my heart." I should have known she would lead me. Thank you God for all the love that fills our hearts and for having Papa Jim touch and bless our lives so completely.

10 comments:

Waitingfaithfully said...

Dear friend,

I am so sorry for your loss,and the pain you are feeling. It is so obvious that Jim was a wonderful man, and was special to many, many people.

Lily's words are so very precious and true. . . the depths of a child's heart. Lily's heart knows great love and that speaks much, especially when words are few.

Praying for the God of All Comfort to hold each of you near Him as you grieve the loss of Jim. . . . and as you celebrate his life. It sounds like there was much about Jim to celebrate.

Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

Love and blessings ~

Tina

Rachel said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a way with words your Lily has, so sweet and precious. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Rachel

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your lost but what beautiful words my friend

Ashley and Mike said...

Margaret,

My heart sunk when I saw the post title. I had so hoped that it was not Jim's time. I am so thankful that you got to be with him and there for your mom and family. I know it must have been hard, but it is truly a gift that you have been given.

Andy and Tamara said...

Margaret,
I am so sorry and at the same time so thankful that you are blessed with a friend like Angela. My father in law died in an accident on Savannah's fourth birthday, so I know what it is like to try and explain this difficult thing to young children and to need help taking care of them while you take care of grown up things. I have been praying for you and continue to do so. - Tamara

Kristin said...

I too read the title of this post and immediately panicked. I was so sorry to hear about Papa Jim's passing. I am thankful you were there in time to be with him and the rest of your family.

We'll be thinking of you all right now--

marybob143@aol.com said...

Oh, Margaret, we are so very sorry for your loss. I know Papa Jim was a wonderful person and so deeply loved by your family. It's funny how the littlest angels can guide us through the scariest times...we love you and are praying for all of you...I know your family finds comfort in knowing Papa Jim gets to be with Jesus in Heaven...
Love,
Mary & Family

FHL said...

Margaret, I am so grieved to read your post tonight. I know Jim will be so greatly missed by you and your family. I'm praying for you my friend and for your beautiful family.

Love and hugs,
M~

Kristy said...

Oh Margaret I am so sorry for the pain and loss you are feeling right now. I am so sorry. I know how this pain hurts , just know that alot of people including myself are praying for you and your family and thinking of you.

Love and blessings, Kristy

Tricialew said...

I picked the right blog at the wrong time today. I was telling a co-worker about how sweet and beautiful Graeme and Lily are and I didn't have my new photos downloaded yet, then I remembered I had your blog address. I started to read this entry and decided to wait until I got home to read it as I immediately felt my heart in my throat. Todd and I read it together. I will tell you that I make some strange noises when I am laughing and crying at the same time.

Lily's words made me smile. (trying to picture Jim dancing) but I know that he really always will be in her heart. He touched so many lives.
We all loved Papa Jim so much and though many of my tears were admittedly selfish (for my own loss), my heart was aching for all of those kids who loved him and whom he loved dearly.
Your mom and Jim have given us the gift of a most wonderful extended family and I feel very honored and blessed.
Thank you again for all you do.
Love,
Tricia