Promise.
I thought I'd start this post with the positivity that I am encircled with today, although its a bittersweet day at best. My grandfather, Emmett Vernon Stewart let go of this world this morning at 5:45 am in the company of his son, my father, Walter Emmett Stewart, one of his 10 children. He survived 20 years of Alzheimer's.
There are so many things I've thought to write about the experience I've had with death and the Mystic this last week...but I have yet to get anything down to share. For this I apologize, as the experience has been life altering for me.
Last Friday, my Gramps' body decided to start to 'officially' shut down, refusing to swallow any nourishment. It was a painful process to watch, and when I went to visit him, he clearly was confused, and worse, imprisoned in a darkening vessel. When I visited him, I sat or laid up on his bed (as best I could with my big belly) next to him and whispered in his ear. I don't really know what's best to say to someone who's obviously trapped and scared. So, I told him what he already knew.
That I loved him.
That Jesus is waiting on the other side of a blink with perfect health.
That I was thankful for him, for being such a brave and strong man. For leading his family of 10 children and 39 (soon to be 40!) grand- and great-grand children.
I didn't know what to ask God for, so I just thanked Him for the gift of time. And, I have been sitting and listening to the greatest stories of a boy born in Tiajuana, a cowboy, a naval officer and champion boxer, an inventor, and an entrepreneur. I have witnessed and heard an amazing love story between a man and a woman, how even when he didn't know anyone else, he strained to hear my Granny's voice and would grab for her hand. Sweet times, funny times, crazy times...but all together wonderful times.
I am really, really proud to be a Stewart. Part of a family of all denominations and religions bound together by a deep love. Part of a tribe that's been scattered across the globe doing all sorts of different, amazing, wonderful things.
Maybe tomorrow I'll write about death. Today, I am breathing in love, celebrating life, living in awe.
Peace, Kelly
2 comments:
Oh, Kelly, I'm so sorry for your loss... but so happy for your love, your amazing stories of the man he was and must have been, and your pleasure in your family. So beautiful and touching. We love you and are so glad you're in our Church family. Many blessings on your family during this time.
~j~
kelly
i am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather.
thanks for sharing some of his stories and your emotions as you rejoice and grieve.
praying for you and your family.
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