In Loving Memory

The past few days have been tough for our family. My grandpa passed away last Wednesday. We rest assured that he is no longer in pain as he rejoices with the angels in Heaven. He put up a good fight during the past four years of his life, and we cherish every moment spent with him. Always remembered, always loved.


On our way to the viewing, Tucker asked where we were going. I explained that we were going to say goodbye to Great-Papaw. He asked me where Great-Papaw was going. I told him that he was going to Heaven to live with Jesus. Tucker wanted to know if Great-Papaw would be able to come to our house again, or if he would ever see him at Momo and Papaw's house. I was surprised by all of his questions and by how it seemed he was trying to make sense of what was going on.

Once we arrived at the funeral home, Tucker stayed seated in his stroller reading books and chatting with family members and friends. After awhile though, he requested to get out and "go in there with everybody else." At first I was unsure about letting Tucker see Great-Papaw, but after all, I did tell him that we were going to say goodbye. He pulled at my pant leg and said, "Mama, hold me up. I want to say goodbye." So I lifted him up. Tucker waved bye-bye and lovingly whispered, "Goodbye. Goodnight, Great-Papaw." It was a tender moment that will forever remain engraved in my heart.

On the way home from the viewing:
Me: Thank you for being such a good boy tonight. I know Great-Papaw is happy that you told him goodbye.
Tucker: Where is Great-papaw going?
Me: He went to Heaven to live with Jesus.
Tucker: Oh, yeah. (long pause) Mama, I like Jesus too.