Thoughts of Popa

The call came early Saturday morning, Popa was in the hospital and not expected to live for more than three days. A hurried suitcase packed and tickets obtained and we were off to Arizona. Arrived late at night, stopped by the hospital. Popa wanted his son to stay for awhile. So, daughter no. 1 and I went to Applebees for the first real meal of the day just short of midnight. Lucky us, it was karoke night and the talented singers stayed home. Picked up Craig and headed to the hotel. Short night of sleep and back to the hospital to greet Popa and Grandma Mary for the day. Hard decision to be made and Popa was moved out of ICU up to 5C to wait for the sentence of death to play out. Hard to watch and wait for a loved one to take his last breath. Hard to watch the family dynamics play out. Wonderful opportunity for goodbyes to be said. Popa's son stayed at the hospital all night with his step-mom. Our daughter had to leave the next day to return to her own family and just about 9:25 p.m. Popa breathed his last breath. The mayhem of planning viewings, rosaries and funerals took up our time for the next few days and then following a funeral in Sun City West, Popa's body was flown back home to Stockton for a second funeral. My husband, son of Popa gave the eulogy quite eloquently, I might add. Lots of drama and lets face it trauma when you lose a loved one. Trying to recuperate, rejoicing that he is with the Lord and planning to continue to live our lives with purpose and meaning that goes beyond the grave. Popa will be missed. We loved him and we came to know that he loved us.

Never enough time!

Never enough time to spend all the time with the kids, grandkids, family and friends we want. Never enough time to get all the things done I had planned to do. Never enough time to enjoy the quietness of the day. Never enough time to do all the crafting I enjoy. Never enough time to see all the sights and wonders of the world we live in. I realize I must make the time for what is really important or it slips away too. Grateful to know the ONE who is not bound by time and is available all the time. God is good. We have loved being in Oregon this summer, realized how quickly time is passing and how big our grandchildren are getting. We have loved watching them play in the backyard, run on the soccer field and catch passes at their football game. Life is full and rich and we are truly blessed. So, thankful for each moment spent loving and being loved. Eternally thankful for the love of God!