Death....and new life

A couple of weeks ago, I expierenced the death of a grandparent for the first time. My Popa passed away peacefully on March 29th and we buried him on Palm Sunday. I was so sad losing Popa. He was an AWESOME grandfather. He was always at all of our baseball, softball, basketball, etc...games. It wasn't until recently he was not able to get around. And at times, I have been very bitter that my Popa wasn't really Popa. He had not walked in more than 2 years, and he lived much of his later life in great pain and in a bed. So while I was extrememly sad when he passed, I was almost relieved. He wasn't in pain anymore and I know he is in a better place. I hate that Parker will not get to grow up knowing him, but I am extremely greatful that Parker did get to meet him and know him for the 3 and a half years Parker has been here. He probably will not remember Popa, but we have pics of the two of them that I will forever treasure. Here is one of them.

With Popa's death came 2 more deaths, a good friend from my past's grandfather and Allison's Aunt. They say that deaths and actually most things come in threes. Allison's aunt Barbara was such an amazing, gorgeous, fun loving woman. While I only met her once, she and I emailed quite frequently and talked on the phone some, too. She really might have been one of the funniest people I have ever known. I am constantly praying for Allison and her family because they are struggling with this very unexpected event in their lives. And the pain of losing a loved one is a pain like no other.

So now with all of these deaths, I realize how lucky we are to have the time we do on this Earth. And the time we have with our loved ones should be cherished and lived to the fullest. And I am reminded with death, there is new life. David and I just got word that Tanya's water broke. And Nicky and Jeremy are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sydney and we can't forget Chuck and Cindy's little boy that should be making an appearance soon, too. See, 3 of our friends are having babies. So why some lives have ended, new ones are beginning and I am very happy for all of our friends who are experiencing parenthood. And I am grateful for the memories I have of Popa. Memories are what help us go on.