I am back in our Asian home again after a whirlwind trip to the US. It almost seems like a dream that I traveled that far and now am back again! Or maybe that's the jet lag talking. . .
It was a wonderful trip. I will try to post some pictures and tell some stories in the upcoming days, when I am feeling a little more on top of things, but for now let me just say how thankful I am that I was able to go. My time with my parents, my Grandma, my mother-in-law and sister-in law, and my brother and his family, was precious beyond words. I am so thankful.
I was able to spend some good time with my Grandma. She was weak and mostly confined to her bed or wheelchair, but she didn't complain about her situation. She expressed how glad she was to see me, to meet Christin, and we got some beautiful pictures together. She also asked several times about John and the girls and was concerned that they would be missing me. . . which they were! It was such a blessing to encourage Grandma with Scripture and pray for her.
And now, my Grandma has gone to her heavenly home. The day that I was leaving the US, we got a phone call around 2am from my Aunt Judy. The hospital had called saying Grandma had taken a turn for the worse. Aunt Judy and Uncle Dave immediately went to be with her, and she recognized them before slipping into a coma about 4am and passing away at 8:15 on Wednesday, May 13. By that point I was just completing the first leg of my four leg journey back to Asia.
I can hardly comprehend that I was able to see my Grandma and spend time with her, and then four days later, she slipped away. Isn't the Lord so gracious to us, always? I am so very, very thankful for the time we had together, brief though it was. I am so thankful that my husband encouraged me to make this trip and for my house helper, Lou, who kept things up at home with help from my dear friends so that I could go and have this last time with my Grandma.
So today I am experiencing afresh the emotions that go along with grief; there is a sense of shock, of unreality, of sadness, and yet of joy and thankfulness for my Grandma who loved the Lord, prayed for me and all our family so faithfully, and now has gone to her eternal reward. For her, I am glad. In His perfect timing, her life on earth is complete and now she has truly gone home. Praise Him for His glorious grace!
4 comments:
Rachel,
So thankful you had a good trip, and so sorry for your sake that your Grandma has gone to be with the Lord. It is always a bittersweet emotion as we yearn for the person we miss, but then rejoice that they have done well with their time on earth and are now with our Savior.
Big hugs to you and more prayers headed your way!
E
Oh Rachel. I've thought about you every single day! I'm so thankful you had such a meaningful time with your family.
I didn't make it home to say bye to my Papaw and I've always deeply regretted it.
Welcome back, friend.
Rachel - We have lifted you up often the past week and I'm so thankful you were able to spend this time with your Grandma. PTL that she has reached her eternal home and left behind a legacy of grace and faithfulness for your family. Thinking of you and your family as you grieve.
- Dianna
Rachel - Glad to hear you made it back home safely and that your trip was a good one. I'm so thankful you were able to spend some time with your Grandma before she went home to Our Lord. Tommy and I will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Kay
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