A New Year, A Final Farewell

Almost a month ago, we rang in the New Year. We had laughs and yummy food at a friend's house, then came home and barely stayed up til midnight. I wondered what 2013 would hold for us. Some good things, some bad...but I had no idea that 12 days later (my brother's birthday) I'd be getting a phone call that my Grandaddy Bill had passed away. He rang in his New Year...his last year here on Earth...in a hospital. And then it all ended. I'm so thankful he got to tell his final good-byes to everyone and that he was 100% ready to go. He knew where his true home was and he was eager to get there.

It's still hard to not see him one more time, hug him, or crack a joke about his beloved Clemson Tigers. I can still hear his laugh and picture his smile when he looked at the boys. And then other memories flood in from years ago...trips to the "candy store," a trip on his little fishing boat, seeing him in his fuzzy red recliner, or watching him tool around in the garage, one of his favorite places. He was a wonderful grandaddy. He loved to help people and never complained about it. He was quick to lend a tool (he had every tool that ever existed), a hand, and always his truck when my car was having problem. 

I was thankful I got to fly home for the funeral with the boys. It gave me some closure and it was a blessing to be surrounded by all the family. I wish my boys had more time with him, but hopefully they will remember him and I will be sure to fill them in with countless stories. 

I came home to find these trees, bare when I left, in full bloom. 

They're gorgeous. They remind me that things change quickly and nothing will last forever. Everything has a time and a season. We need to cherish what we have, love wholeheartedly, and remember what is important in life...not things, not "success" (however you define it), not activities...but the people in it who mean the world to us.