Blessed

*My grandparents and 9 of the 18 silly grandchildren*

Last Friday, my sweet, sweet grandfather passed away. It wasn't unexpected, but it was hard, nonetheless.

But, you know what?

I am blessed.

I am blessed that I have SUCH a great heritage... I've had the 2 best grandfathers in the world (my other grandfather passed away 10 years ago next month... I've got no doubt that he was in Heaven to greet my grandfather last week), and I have the 2 best grandmas in the world, too!

I am blessed that I know I am loved... no one in my family should ever doubt they are loved... my grandpa was the best example of making sure we all knew.

I am blessed that I know I'll see my grandpa(s) again in Heaven someday... the hope of eternal life is SUCH a blessing, isn't it?

I am blessed with a LARGE extended family... 50 or so of us (mostly immediate family) rode a bus to "down home" for a 2nd funeral service for my grandpa this week. There was another 100 or so family members to meet us and help us celebrate grandpa's life some more.

I am blessed with lots and lots of people who love me and my family... 1200 people at a funeral visitation for an 86-yr-old man... WOW!

I am blessed with a big, boisterous family that I love. But I'm also blessed with a not-as-big, not-as-quite-boisterous family on my mom's side that I also love. And I'm blessed with a not-very-big-at-all, not-too-loud-at-all family on Don's side that I love.

I am blessed with lots of great memories of my grandfather.

I am blessed with a Christian heritage that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Here's one of the songs that my aunt and I sang at the funerals. We sang this song over and over around my grandpa's bed:

I am blessed
I am blessed
Everyday that I live I am blessed
When I wake up in the morning
Or I lay my head to rest
I am blessed
I am blessed

I. Am. Blessed.

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Last night, when Sis was saying her good-night prayer, she asked God to tell Grandpa "hi." *sniff*

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I don't really know how to end this... there are so many more things to say, but I think I'm done writing them. For now. Just know... I am blessed.