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I know. A month was a long time to be gone. But there is no way I can possibly thank my guest posters enough. They all have their busy lives, yet they all stepped in to help me in my time of need. How spectacular is that? It’s humbling. I’ll tell you that much. Thank you, my friends!
It started out that I just needed a break. I knew April was going to be particularly busy for me (work, school, parenting, wife-ing, etc.), so I asked my friends for a life line. What I didn’t know was that I would be struck with a major blow. My apologies for Debby Downing this, but my beloved grandfather passed away.
In case you’re new here, I am madly in love with my grandparents. You can hopefully see some of that here, here, here, and here (believe me—I spared you several more).
My grandmother passed away one year ago, and now they are together. I’m trying to find comfort in that. Trying.
So I guess life has a peculiar way of working out. While I needed my blog friends to help at JaG, I had no idea how significant that help would be. Thank you to them and thank you to YOU for your sweet comments for my guests, your friendly e-mails checking in, and for sticking with me!
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{ 67 comments }
i am very sorry about the loss of your grandfather!!!
Thank you, Marie!! It sure is nice to see a familiar face when I check on here! Glad to hear from you!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandfather, Chris. May the memories of your time together bring you comfort.
Thank you so much, Brandi. I really appreciate the thought!
Cherish your sweet memories of them always!
laura
I definitely will, Laura. Thank YOU!!
Chris, so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much, Kim! I really appreciate it.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have great memories to cherish.
Thank you, Judy! Those memories are definitely helping me through!
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother, father and grandparents all in a matter of years when I was a newlywed and new mother. It was devistating. I did not have the support network you have and wish I had. Treasure your friends as well. Your family did a great job raising someone who has wonderful friends to help you out this way. God bless!
Oh Margaret, I’m so sorry for your loss! I have now lost my dad and both grandparents, and I pray that loss has left my family for a while. My prayers are now with you! Thank you for sharing that with me, and I hope you’re doing better.
Chris, Sorry to hear about your grandfather…I never know what to say to people when things like this happen but I truly hope you find the comfort you need.
I had to giggle at your comment, Cheri. You said exactly the right thing, but I can definitely relate. Your words of condolence were perfect!
So sorry for your loss, Chris.
Thank you, Lauren! I really appreciate your thoughts!
My heart is breaking for you. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you made over the years.
Thank you so much, Laura. I am finding much comfort in those memories!
Oh, sweet friend. I am so sorry. Loss is such a painful journey. I know how much you cherished your grandparents and always will. How wonderful that they have been reunited. Thinking of you.
You’re just too sweet. Thank you for being such a good friend!
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your grandfather. Cherish your sweet memories of him and your grandmother! Beautiful pictures too!
Also, thank you for the many wonderful guest posts. Some have possibly inspired me to start up my own blog again.
Thank you so much, Michelle! And if you do start up that blog again, let us know!!
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. Prayers headed your way.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the comment and the prayers!
So sorry for your loss Chris. May you find comfort in the memories you were able to share with both your grandparents and knowing that are now together. Sending prayers up for you!!
Thank you so much, Lynda. The prayers are working! I’m doing better.
What a treasure trove of fellow blogger friends you have. Losing a loved one is always so hard. I know – my mom died when I was 17. It is great comfort to know that your grandfather is not without his beloved wife any longer. There’s comfort in knowing that.
Keep up your spirit – It’ll help heal you.
Liz VanKirk
Freeland, MI
Thank you, Liz. You’re right–I am taking comfort in that. I’m so sorry you lost your mom at such a young age. I teach teenagers, and I’ve seen what that kind of loss can do to kids. Thank you for sharing that! –fellow Michigander!
Oh, I’m so sorry. Praying for you.
Thank you so much, Lisa!
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know what its like to love a grandparent so much that you can’t even fanthom life with them not in it – my heart breaks for you. Hang in there.
Oh gosh, Kacy. I couldn’t agree more. You spend your entire life with these people, and you’re left not knowing what to do when they’re gone. I really appreciate your sweet comment!
I am so very sorry for your loss! What a blessing to have had such a close relationship with them. My children are very close to my mom (she lives with us) and they were very close to my dad too, and his death was very hard on them.
But I think that we are far more blessed by grandparents then we bless them. Although my parents always talked about what joy my children gave/give them (as my mom is still living). But my children have learned so much from them, hard work and diligence, patience, patriotism (dad was a Pearl Harbor Survivor), the importance of family, appreciation of what you have, willingness to work for what you don’t have, empathy (especially when my dad’s health was fading and for my mom as she ages), etc.
I’m not saying that we had no hand in instilling values in our children, because we did. But my parents worked to pass on *their* values as well, and so what they said sort of backed up what *we* said. Plus when the passed on their values, the relationship and love was there as well, it was taught AND caught.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you (hope you don’t mind).
I was hanging on your every word, Momstheword. I couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s amazing what lessons we learn from everyone in our lives–not just our parents. Your children are so very lucky to have been “raised” by all of you!
Oh Chris, I’m so sorry for your loss
Your blog friends took GREAT care of you while you were “away” – we miss you though!! 
I’ll pray that you’re able to find comfort in the fact that he’s in a better place (and with your grandma)!!!
Such a great comment, Christina. Thank you! It feels good to be missed, and I’m glad to be back!
Isn’t it funny how things work out – you lined up all those friends to help you when you thought you would need some help – not realizing just how helpful that would be. I”m so sorry for the death of your grandpa. He looks like a dear in the photos and I can only imagine how much you are going to miss them.
Well said, Grace! The universe works in funny ways, and I was thankful it worked out so well. The blessings of friends. And yes…you would have loved him. Everyone who knew him did.
I love you friend and we’re always here for you! xoxo
And I love YOU!
Love you so much girl and I was happy to help!! I was so sorry to hear about your grandpa. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Thank you, love o’ my life! You helped me out sooo much!
So very sorry for your precious loss, Chris. I use the same tactic with the loss of my mom.. she missed dad every single day for 15 years. No more!
It seems so joyful when you put it like that, doesn’t it? Too bad we selfishly want them here with us still.
Thank you, friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandpa, Chris.
I lost mine recently and think about him being with my Grandma now all the time. I look very forward to giving you a hug in person next month, and know that I’m sending you a great big virtual one today. XO
You’re so sweet, friend. Thank you! Grandpa’s are pretty fantastic, eh? I’m sorry you lost yours too. At least they are with their loves! Can’t WAIT to smother you with hugs! To the general population–I know that sounds creepy, but Layla understands. I think.
I’m so sorry Chris
… I’m glad the posts came at the right time in more ways than you imagined, but so sad to hear about your grandpa.
Thank you, Melissa! For everything.
I’m singing in my head…”That’s what friends are for”
So sorry for your loss!
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m always saying that Blog friends are real friends, and you definitely show that with how many lent a hand to help lift you up during this sad time.((((Hugs))))
Thank you so much. I agree. My blog friend ARE my friends. Love that!
I am so sad to read that your grandpa passed away. I love, love, love that he held such an important place in your heart. I am thorough convinced that no one can ever love us the way a grandparent can and am so glad you had that experience with yours. What a blessing that is. I hope this time of transition is smoothed by good friends and quality time with family. What a comfort to know he is with the love of his life!
Gosh, Chris. Those were some great thoughts. I really appreciate that! You’re right–I was truly blessed.
Love you so much, Chris!
I’m glad that it worked out for us to post for you during this difficult time.
Wish I could give you a big hug.
xoxo
Traci
I’ll take that big hug a month from now, Traci.
Thank you again! You’re so sweet!
So sorry for your loss, Chris! Happy to help out & so sorry that you lost your sweet grandpa. Our family is so important in our lives and I know you will miss him. Hugs, my friend, see you next month!
Thank you, my friend. Miss him dearly. You were such a help! I’ll see YOU in a month!
So sorry for your loss. What a truly special thing to have his and your Grandma’s influence in your life and your children’s life for a time.
Chris! I’m so sorry for your loss! I can only imagine how crazy this past month has been for you. I’m so happy that I could help in any way, it was a pleasure.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
xoxo
Thank you SO much, Shelley! I’m so lucky to have found such wonderful friends through my computer.
Seriously.
Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so sweet to read about the especial relationship you had and will always have with your grandparents. There is such a comfort in knowing that love last forever.
xoxo
Desirée
I’m so sorry your papa is gone. My own dear papa passed away in 2009. I miss him as much as ever, but am so comforted by knowing where he’s gone.
So sorry to hear of this loss.
Time does heal and knowing that your
Grandparents are together now should help.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melinda
I am so feeling your heartache, Chris. My grandfather was basically my dad, and I adored him with all my being. My blog actually came from his death, I was so drowning in grief that I started it as a distraction. He always greeted me with a booming (because grandfathers are larger than life), “Hi Sugarplum!” — hence, the blog name. Knowing they are together must bring you some comfort. Not going anywhere, btw!! xoxo
Oh, Cassie. Thank you so much for sharing that. I never knew where the name came from, and I love knowing that now! We should consider ourselves lucky to have such close relationships with our grandfathers, eh? Thank you again!
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I was not lucky enough to have my grandparents around so we were never close. I cannot imagine what it’s been like for you. My thoughts are with you. (((HUGS)))
Grandparents are VERY special people. I know that not only because I had a wonderful grandmother, but because now that I’m a grandmother, I know first hand that love is a special kind of love. It’s like getting a second chance to get it right, and someone else has to do all the ‘not so fun stuff’.
I pride myself on being able to ‘read’ people’s faces. It sounds freaky, but I can almost see a person’s heart and soul just by looking at them…their smile, their eyes,,their demeanor. Your grandparents had (have) great spirits, and they loved you more than you know.
Honor their memory and live your best life!
XXXX