Grandpa. He’s been gone just since I was 18. It’s hard to imagine sometimes that it’s been that long, but maybe I’m wondering how I got so grown up. I was his first grandchild and it’s well known to the rest of my cousins that I was his favorite.

Recently, I was searching for a pair of earrings for my daughter. I pulled out my jewelry box. This box stores more than just jewelry; it has precious mementos of my history. Somehow, I’ve managed to keep a greeting card since my high school graduation, sent to me by Grandpa. The card arrived a week before he did, it was an intentional gift and message. I get the sense that he wanted to be sure was set apart from the rest of the graduation commotion and celebrations. It’s been years since I’ve read the card, but I know it’s there when I need it.

I read it aloud to my daughter and began to cry. The tears flowed, my voice cracked, it was as if the funeral was just a month ago, but it wasn’t. Somehow, I’ve lived more of my life without him than with him. Providentially, that same day my bible reading was John 11. The story of Lazarus. The story of how Jesus wept. John 11:35. I was shocked that this old bent card with some shaky handwriting brought on the waterworks. I love so much that Jesus was fully God AND fully Man. He walked this very earth and experienced temptation, frustration, grief, and many other emotions.

Grief is a unique experience that helps show us what we love and treasure. Grief isn’t limited to the experience of losing a loved one. When the road of life bends, we can grieve what is lost or what has changed. I’m so thankful that I understand that both of my grandparents were followers and believers of Christ. I have a blessed assurance that we will be united again one day. This life is just a vapor, and eternity together will be so sweet. Until then, I’m grateful for the memory and the words that my Heavenly-Father left me in the bible, and also the shaky handwriting in that card from my Grandfather.