Ohmystinkinheck

My Grandpa went to be with our Lord this morning.
He got up, ate breakfast, went back down for a nap after breakfast and never woke up.
He was 92.
My Dad called me during my Sunday nap to let me know.
I’ve been crying in waves ever since.

I’ve written about him on the blog a couple of times; I love the man so much.

My heart hurts.
My chest aches.
My head hurts from crying.
At the same time my soul rings the truth - he has finally been released from his ailing and aged body into the freedom of eternity with Christ.

Before he died he talked to my Aunt Betty about the music he wanted at his funeral.

• In the Garden
• I’ll Fly Away
• Tennessee Waltz
• The Last Date

Why the Tennessee Waltz you say? Well, not because of the words - no heart-break stories there. My Grandpa said that the Tennessee Waltz was to be played because of the waltz he was gonna have with my Grandma when he met her in heaven; she died 7 years ago of Alzheimer’s.

My Grandpa would play the Tennessee Waltz on his piano in the evenings. I remember being all snuggled in bed with my cousin and falling asleep to the sound of him stroking the song from the keys.

His funeral will be a celebration; I just know it.
A celebration of a hard-working man who loved his wife, loved his family and loved the Lord.

And I’ll be a part of it. I’ll be singing “In The Garden” and will join my aunt and uncle on “I’ll Fly Away”. The last two on the list above will be played by my aunt Charlotte; she is absolutely amazing on the piano.

Pray for all of us to serve him well at his going away.
If you still have your Grandpa, give him a hug, a call, mail a letter, because you just never know.

89 Responses to “Goodbye Grandpa”

1. ashley.

   bless your heart. prayers with you and yours.

2. mothergoosemouse

   I’m so sorry. I know how much it hurts.

   I love how you spoke of his “going away”. For my maternal grandparents (with whom I was so close), we had a going away party - for my grandfather in 1999, and for my grandmother this past July. Perfect way to celebrate long and happy lives.

   Wishing you peace.

3. karen

   Oh Heather! I am joyful that your grandparents are together again but so sorry that you’ll have to wait a long time (I hope) to be with them again.

4. Mrs. Wilson

   Oh Heather, I’m so sorry! I’m so glad, though, that he loves the Lord so that you do not have to worry about him. He is better than he ever has been, as he’s doing the waltz in the Lord’s house!!

   And thanks for reminding me that I have to write my grandpa! One of mine died in my early teens. I had just gone to visit him in the hospital, and I’m SO glad that I did. He died a couple days later. I got to hug him and tell him I loved him, and that’s the last time I saw him.

   I pray for a peaceful week for you. I pray that you’re comforted by your Father in heaven, and that you feel the joy your grandpa is feeling right now, in paradise.

5. bethany actually

   Oh Heather, God bless you and your whole family. I will be praying for you all as you celebrate your grandpa’s life and grieve his absence from yours.

6. Janera

   My goodness, you made me cry! Stop that immediately. ;-)

   Just thinking of “I’ll Fly Away” brings me tears of joy, because that’s what death is for us in Jesus: we fly away to a better home.

   Some glad morning when this life is o’er. . . .

   I’m so sorry for YOU, though, because I know you’ll miss him until you see him again.

   Be blessed.

7. A Cowboy's Wife

   I’m soooo sorry. I’m thinking of you, the family, and you’re grandparents dancing around!

8. merrymishaps

   I’m so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

9. Some things to Mention | A Cowboy's Wife

   [...] the last day for you to sign up for this month’s swaparooni.  Lots of fun!  You should also pay your respects to Heather who runs [...]

10. Shannon

    Oh I am so sorry Heather and am praying for you and your family. What a precious picture to imagine your sweet grandparents waltzing together in heaven.

11. rachel

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    We have lost too many people this year and I feel your loss.
    However we rejoice for he is in Heaven with his maker and is rejoicing with your Grandmother and dancing with her now.
    We should be so lucky.

12. Octamom

    So sorry to hear of his passing–praying for comfort for you–

    Know that the Tennessee Waltz will be playing with great joy as he joins your grandmother on Heaven’s dance floor
    Blessings~

13. Stacey_CrimsonPurl

    I am so sorry for your lost and pray for you and your family comfort and joy of memories during this time!

14. Sue at eLuckypacket

    Hugs, Heather. Your post rings with the joy and love of having known him!

15. gin

    Heather, my condolences. I’m sorry for your loss. You were really lucky to have an adult friendship with your grandpa. Most grandkids don’t get that!

    You were truly blessed to share that with him. And I’m sure he is sitting on a cloud, dangling his feet, smiling down on you with love!

16. Mr. OMSH

    You guys, readers, have no clue what a loss this is. Grandpa was truly a gem from that generation…and one that holds a special place in all of our hearts.

17. Suebob

    It’s hard to lose someone, even after a good long life. But you will see him again!

    I’ll fly away, oh glory.

18. Mommy Cracked

    Oh I am so sorry to hear this. I love that he wants that song played for that reason. I imagine they had their grand waltz today with none of life’s ails to keep them down. You and your family will be in my prayers. 92 years…that is amazing. What a blessing to have him that long!

19. naomi

    i’m so sorry for your loss and i’ll be thinking of you and your family in the difficult days ahead.

    i know your love of your granddad will carry you through the songs he wanted at his fare-thee-well celebration.

    he sounds like he had great heart.

20. Annie

    Heather -

    Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He sounds like such a gentle spirit. My grandpa was like that too. Truly the epitome of grace and Christ’s love.

    I lost both of my grandparents in 2005 and sometimes I’m still so sad they’re gone.

    As we know, at least they are whole and healthy now, safe in the loving arms of the Creator.

    ~ Annie

21. Kate @ Life As I Live It

    Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll pray that your hearts heal quickly and that your tears of sadness soon turn to smiles at all the fond memories of your beloved Grandpa.

22. Angela Smith

    Oh Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. Many hugs and prayers coming to you. My grandfather passed away in 2000 and I miss him so much…I have many fond memories of him.

    My deepest sympathies….

23. Geri C

    I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing that you had him in your life for so long and that your kids got to know him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. What a glorious reunion he must be having with his wife in heaven, yes?

24. Dad

    There is absolutely nothing that hurts as much as love shared for a lifetime and then suddenly,without warning, separated. But there is also nothing and I mean nothing more powerful than that same parental love poured out on your children and even more richly returned. Yes, I love my Dad and miss him beyond words but the Sanders family came to my side to fill that love right back up to the brim: Heather, Jeff, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny. They surrounded me today and lifted my broken spirit sky high … all of them. Arms, adult and small hugged me sweetly. Thank you, I treasure you.

    Tonight a little after one, I wrote the following about Dad in my journal.

    “Dad died today.
    I don’t know the medical reason, only the spiritual one … You, Lord took him to be with You.
    Dad is home at last … home. Home.

    Dad can see with perfect vision … ‘Lord, I want to see.’ ‘Receive your sight, your faith has healed you!’ (Luke 18).
    Dad can stand up straight and walk … ‘Get up, take your mat, (Chester you are home!’ (Matthew 9)
    Dad can hear everything again… ‘the deaf hear’ (Luke 22).
    Dad died in his bed today but God through Jesus Christ, raised him up … ‘the dead are raised…’ (Luke 7:22)
    ‘We were therefore buried with Him through baptism until death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, WE TOO MAY LIVE A NEW LIFE!’ (Romans 6).

    Now Dad’s vision is unimpaired and now he sees God’s Word come true right before his new eyes …
    ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.’ (1 Corinthians 2).
    Dad now knows …
    He’s there …
    Standing in Paradise …
    Holding hands with Mom and Jesus …
    Once again the music plays, once again Mom and Dad have their Tennessee Waltz together.
    I love you Dad.
    I miss you terribly already.
    I really do.”

    Thank you Heather for this tribute to Dad and the others before it. Thank you even more for being Heather.
    I love you, I really do and I love the family you have brought into my life.

25. Lanna

    Oh Heather. I’m so sorry. But I totally know what you’re feeling - I don’t have a single grandparent left, and none of them really got a chance to meet my husband, let alone my kids (Papa had somewhat advanced Alzheimers by that point and didn’t even realize he was at our wedding). It sucks. And now I’m crying thinking about my grandparents and the 600 people at my grandma’s funeral and all that - they were of a whole different, amazing generation. Anyway, get tissues with lotion in them or use cloth ones. Trust me.

26. Laurie

    What beautiful tributes to your beautiful Grandfather.

27. chris

    So sorry for your loss.

28. Celia

    Oh, God, this post has touched me so much! But it’s not sad. Imagine how happy he may be now near his wife, enjoying being together again, and knowing they won’t be apart anymore. It’s just sad for us here but where he is there’s just happiness. I have no words for you because there’s nothing that can heal you but his kisses and his voice, but just think about how hay he may be now and I am sure you’ll feel much more calmed! That’s what I did when my Grandma died, I thought how happy she may be with Grandpa there that I felt even guilty not to letting her soul go from my mind.
    So many hugs for you!

29. Angela Tippets

    Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. I think that the Tennessee Waltz is perfect :) At 92, and having lost his wife 7 years ago, I think it is time that they get to dance together. I used to work in an assisted living facility and enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. I grew to love the elderly and loved listening to their stories. I’m glad your grandpa is at peace and smiling down, so proudly on you, your family and your accomplishments. May God bring peace to you and your family’s heart, and the assurance that you will see him again someday. Hugs to you Heather. (((())))

30. Laurel

    I am so sorry for your loss, I too was close to my grandfather. ((hugs))

31. LaurenC

    Much love to all of you Heather. Especially your Grandpa.

32. Just Beachy

    Hugs to you and your family today.

33. TheAngelForever

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire OMSH family. I hope that the wonderful memories of your grandfather stay with you forever. May you all smile when you know he is dancing with your grandmother during their song.

34. lorimo

    I am so sorry for your loss…

    I am very touched by your words and the words of your family during this difficult time.

35. chocolatechic

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    My Grams (my last grandparent) passed away 2 months ago. I share in your grief.

36. mamalang

    I read the note on Flickr last night, but had to come back to today to tell you again…hugs.

    And your father made me cry anew. You are all such special people. I pray you find the celebration in your grandpa’s life to lift you over the sorrow.

37. Amy

    I am so sorry for your loss. We should all be so lucky - to live 92 years, loved by a family, and then to die in our sleep. Wow! I hope it’s a comfort, knowing that he lived and died so well.

38. Ree Drummond

    Oh, OMSH! I’m so sorry. Losing a grandparent hurts more than anyone ever thinks it will. It’s not just the end of a lifelong relationship, it’s not just about the memories of all the things you did together…

    It’s also the end of a life on earth that saw many, many decades, eras, trends, tragedies, struggles, etc.

    I think we all always think nothing ever happened before RIGHT NOW in history. Obama and McCain dominate the news. Yet there was your grandpa, who’s been through more presidents than any of us. It’s sad to see someone go who’s lived such a long life.

    On the other hand, be thankful he did live such a long life. And that you had so much time with him.

    Crying for you…

39. Lisa @ The Cutting Edge of Ordinary

    Heather you are in my thoughts. My husbands grandmother just passed away this week to. All our hearts are aching, but we are happy that Gram is at peace. Celebrate his life.

40. Karen Sugarpants

    Thinking about you sweetheart. Sounds like he was a fabulous man. Bless his heart. xo

41. Traci in GA

    So sorry for your loss. Kind thoughts and prayers for you and your family today.

42. SparklieSunShine

    This is so sad, but so beautiful at the same time. I’m glad he got to go peacefully the way most people would want to and that he will be reuniting with his wife. It sounds like his life will be an easy one to celebrate.

    I’m still very sorry for you loss though. It sounds like you two were very close. I know you’ll always miss him.

43. Natalie

    I’m sorry for the ache and sorrow, and I am happy for all of your good memories and for the company of family of friends that will share, celebrate and comfort together. Be well.

44. Beth A.

    Sitting at work, at my computer, crying my eyes out…remembering a similar situation with my Pops. Those are perfect songs to play for a grandpa. My Pops is waiting in heaven for my Nana to give up her fight with Alzheimers so they can dance and she can tell him all about their great-grandson…At the same time, he’s keeping us all safe and sound…he was truly a man who loved his family. :)

    Your family is in my prayers as you send him off with style. He’s lucky to have a talented family who loves him enough to celebrate his life through music.

45. koehmstedt

    Heather, I am so sorry for your loss.

46. MMM

    I’m so sorry. What a beautiful post!

47. Kristi from NY

    I’m so sorry to read of your loss. Your tributes to your Grandpa have been really special to read - both of my Grandpas died when I was young so I have only a few memories of them. The words from your Dad were extra special too. I will be thinking of and praying for your family in the days ahead.

48. mary

    Your words (and that photo!) made me cry. I’m so sorry for your loss. I am so happy that your children had a chance to know such a lovely man.

    I wish you peace, soon. xo

49. Shannon

    My heart break for you! Big hugs! I lost my grandpa back in 1994 and Granny last year. I still have a set and treasure anytime I get with them!
    Thoughts are with you!

50. sam (temptingmama)

    My thoughts are with you, I am so sorry for your loss.

    That picture is wonderful.

51. Kate

    My thought and prayers are with you and your family.

52. MidlifeSlices™

    My paternal grandparents were a huge part of my life and I loved them beyond words so I know the depth of your loss all too well. I still miss my grandparents each and every single day and it’s been over 20 years since they went to be with their heavenly Father. My prayers are with you and your family.

53. Atomic Bombshell

    Now you’ve got me crying. I’m excited for grandpa though and looking forward to seeing him dancing with grandma in heaven.

54. jamie

    Aw, Heather. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Gramma last month, so I really understand how hard it is.

    You and yours will be in my prayers.

55. gingermog

    I am very sorry to hear your grandpa is no longer with you in an earthly way, but it is a great testiment to his life that he leaves so much love behind him.

    From his music selection I think he would get on with my uncle very well, same vintage-he left us shortly after Thanksgiving. Peace to you and your family.

56. ashpags

    Sending love and prayers your way Heather.

    It must be comforting that he planned the music. My Granddad has also requested some, as has my Mom - and I’ll Fly Away is on her list, too. It’s perfect.

57. sherry

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

58. Coco

    my thoughts are with you and your family - I’ve got no grandparents left, not for several years now. There’s still times I wish I could share my life with them.

59. Anna

    xoxo
    I got all choked up reading this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    It seems though that he was an amazing man and for sure he is waltzing away this very moment.
    A celebration of life sounds so perfect!

60. Jersey Girl

    I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved grandfather. My thoughts are with you and your family.

61. Tanya

    Oh Heather, my thoughts are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.

62. Michelle

    God Bless, Sweetie.

63. Carole

    Oh Heather, I am so sorry for the pain you and your beautiful family are having now. I send you all my love and wish you and your family peace.

64. stepmomof2

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

65. mommyknows

    Heather,

    You’re all in my prayers (Big Kenny and your mom too). I’m sorry for your loss.
    XO Kim

66. Kristin

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know the bitter sweetness of loosing a grandparent that is now out of pain and free to walk with the Lord. But at the same time the emptiness of not having them here. Even now, 6 years later sometimes I am surprised that my grandpa isn’t here.
    I loved the photos that you had posted of him. Your love for him showed in those.

67. Lisa C

    Awww. Your post made me cry ~ these emotions are SO fresh to me. We just lost my grandmother in June. She was 74 & passed away in her sleep as well. I will be thinking of & praying for your family.

68. hana

    Thinking and praying for you and your family here in the City of Angels. Just imagine the dancing in heaven….

69. Amanda

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Heather.

    I hope you have an amazing celebration of his life. What awesome songs.

70. Elaine

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I hope he’s enjoying the waltz with your grandmother and every time you hear a bit of it, you’ll be blessed with a beautiful image of them both, dancing together, at peace.

71. Barchbo

    Oh, how you must miss him already! That kind of love is always missed…

    I love the songs…I’ll Fly Away makes me tear up just thinking about it…what a magnificent promise there!

    We had my father-in-law’s memorial service last weekend and it was definitely a celebration of a wonderful life. After his 13 year old nephew played Amazing Grace on the fiddle, we were ready to praise Him!

    We’ll keep you and your family in our prayers.

72. suann

    heather…i am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. such a touching post + you + yours will be in my thoughts + prayers. take care of yourself. xo.

73. erin

    i am so sorry to hear about your grandpa. mine died 7 yrs ago this past july. i still miss him so much. he was amazing. i cant wait to see him again :)

74. Meg

    Aw. God bless him. God bless you. In the Garden? Can’t sing it without choking up. And I”ll fly away? *sigh.*

    Hugs and prayers to you all.

75. ladyb

    stumbled here by way of your flickr stream..so sorry to read your news…I think I’ll Fly Away is probably the most uplifting song in the world..peace to you and yours xx (have you bookmarked now)

76. Claire in CA, USA

    I’m sitting here crying my eyes out for you, and for me. I never had a grandpa, and I often feel the loss of it.

    I’m so glad that you will see him again, and that he is now with his heavenly Father, and his lovely wife.

77. gorillabuns

    I’m so sorry for the loss of such a loved one. I lost my Grandfather, wow, eleven years ago next week. I miss him like it was yesterday.

78. Jamie in Rose Cottage

    Oh, wow. That bit about waltzing with his wife really got me. It’s so wonderful to think how happy they are right now, even though it’s still so hard for you & the rest of the family still here. God bless you all.

79. Angie Garza

    My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I love the previous posts about your grandpa and I love your Dad’s post from his journal. God Bless…

80. Carol Thompson

    Heather- we love you all- please keep in touch= I read your stories daily

    Love,
    Joe, Carol and Brittany

81. Jennie

    I’ve never heard you sing, of course, but I can just imagine your voice and I know you did a beautiful job. And how cute is it that he wanted to have Tennessee Waltz played at his celebration service? I fell in love with your grandpa when you wrote about the birthday party. I’m so sorry for your loss.

82. Libe Goad

    I know your gorgeous voice was one of the best gifts you could give your grandpa on this day. So sorry to hear about your loss, much love and many hugs to you, Jeff and the rest of your awesome family.

83. Julie

    We just lost our Grandpa two weeks ago, so I know just how you feel. My heart goes out to you and your family.

84. Bella

    I’m very sorry for your loss. You were lucky to have so much time with him. Unfortunately, I know a lot of folks that lost younger family members this year- breaks your heart all the same.

85. Kimberly

    I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s obvious from the way you felt about him that he must have been a great grandpa. I was supposed to sing at my Grandpa’s funeral 3 years ago but I was so sick I couldn’t even make it.

    Know that he’s always with you.

86. Jeri

    I just lost my Mom. It hurts to write that and I miss her terribly. Since she has gone, there have been two distinct moments when I KNEW she was with me. Two very weird, very random, very impossible things happened. Both on different days, but both while on the computer. When I think that these things happened because Mom did them, it really comforted me. I hope your grandpa comes back and does some very weird, random and impossible things for you and your family. Even if he doesn’t, he’ll still be there watching over you. Your own, personal angel. I’m sorry for your loss. God bless.

87. Vanessa

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Thinking of your grandparents waltzing in Heaven makes me smile.

    Sending you big hugs from Schertz, Texas…

88. Stefani

    Hey lady. I’m so sorry. I hope that the weekend went well… that there was lots of laughter and celebration mixed in with the inevitable tears.

    My great grandpa had a song like that too. Wildwood flower. They played it at his funeral because he and My Momo used to dance to it. I’m learning to play it on the guitar now, but it’s tough to get through it while crying. :-)

    Much love to you!

89. blackbird

    Sending my belated and deepest sympathies…
    I won’t be able to hear I’ll Fly Away without thinking of your grandfather. He sounds like a very special man.