Late Nights

This. Is my night. Who knows when I'll get to go to sleep, but I have my cup of coffee to accompany me with my long list of assignments I have fallen behind on, my computer, and my textbook. Oooookay, I'm ready!

Two weeks ago I went to my fourth week of class for Adobe Flash. I was assigned several projects for homework, but unfortunately, when we went that very same day to see my grandparents (my grandpa had been battling cancer and we knew he only had a little bit of time left) we found he had taken a turn for the worst and it was only a matter of days until he went home to be with the Lord. Those were some of the hardest days of my life . . . watching my grandfather dying. He was incoherent most of the time, aside from a short time we had with him that first night. The days and nights were filled with the sound of moans and groans coming from my grandpa. The whole family struggled to fight away the tears as we sat by his bedside completely helpless. Two days later, February 5th, he died. My mind could not stay focused no matter how hard I tried, and my school stuff suffered from this greatly. I did not do the homework for that week . . . I was too overcome with grief. Then I missed a class to be able to be with my family the day before his funeral service to prepare. That only added on to the one week of homework I already had . . . now I also had class work to do on my own in order to keep up with the class and the homework assigned for that week. I am now doing my best to catch up. I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but I know it is not impossible. My class is in the morning, lets see how much I can get done before then.

Entering the Gates of Heaven

Gary Zimmerman
January 12, 1948 - February 5, 2012

Today was the funeral service for my grandpa who went home to be with the Lord this past Sunday afternoon. It was a great and memorable service. I had the opportunity to sing a song and read a poem I wrote the day after my grandpa passed away. Here is the poem . . .

Entering the Gates of Heaven

The day had rapidly approached
When the Lord was to call him home.
His life on earth was finished
And it was time to let him go.
Sharing hugs and kisses --
We said our tearful goodbyes.
“I love you. I love you forever.” Is what he spoke into my ear.
Words that mean the world to me,
And I will hold in my heart forever.
Tears flowed down each face
As we sat there by his side . . .
Waiting for the moment --
The instant he would breathe his final breath.
The time was coming fast,
And I often wonder if he could start to hear the angels sing.
God was preparing a place for him --
A place inside of heaven’s gates.
I’m sure he’d share in tears of joy
As he’d meet his loved ones who had gone on before.
His journey on earth was over,
But the best had yet to come.
His turn to meet Jesus was here,
And God welcomed him with arms open wide.
Then he led him through the pearly gates,
And walked with him through the streets of gold.
I can only imagine the smile on his face
When he ran into the arms of God.
“Welcome home, my child. Well done.”
This I’m sure God said to him.
He left behind a great example
For us all to see and follow.
On earth his faith had been so strong,
And he loved the Lord with all his heart.
He once had told me to live my life
So that others can see God’s love.
He did his best to live for Christ,
And encouraged others to trust in God.
Although we are saddened by our loss,
We may rejoice because we know
One glorious day we will see him again,
And be with him in heaven.
Now he watches from up above,
And in our hearts we can feel his love.
I will never forget what a great man he was.
I will love you forever . . .
My grandpa.

Now at Peace, Walking the Streets of Gold

This afternoon we received the call that I was so afraid of.

The call that would bring a rush of mixed emotions.

First, extreme sadness . . .

Then maybe a little bit of relief and joy on another's behalf.

God had called my grandpa home. His life on this earth was finished and God was ready to welcome him into the gates of heaven with his arms open wide.

I could just imagine that bright smile on my grandpa's face and that sparkle in his eye as he ran into the arms of God. What a glorious day it must be for him. A day that had so far only been dreamed of -- the day to finally see Jesus face to face.

He often spoke of such a day when there would be no more pain and no more suffering. His faith in God was strong and contagious. He left a great example behind for all of us -- something we all should pay attention to and strive to achieve. Though he was not perfect he did his best to do what he knew to be right in the sight of God.

It was so hard when I walked into his room and saw his lifeless body laying there on the bed. Completely emotionless and still.

I cried hysterically as I stood there.

Everyone told me to make sure I had enough time there with him before they came and took him away. I stood by his bedside with my hand on his arm, but it wasn't enough . . . I knew he was no longer in this body. With my hand on his arm, everything within me wished I could hug him and tell him I love him one last time and to have him hug me back. I am so thankful I had an opportunity Friday night while he was coherent for a few minutes to tell him I love him. I bent over him while he was in his bed and gave him a hug. I didn't want to let go. I heard him say to me "I love you. I love you forever." His last spoken words to me. Tears flowed down my face and I struggled to get out my reply. I will hold onto that moment forever.

Although I am overcome with grief, I rejoice. I rejoice in the fact that he is now and forever at peace and that he gets to walk the streets of gold at Jesus' side.