Thank you, great grandpa, for waiting for me. College can be scary knowing all my family is in another state and that the reality is, we never know which day is our last. I know from experience that it is so hard to lose someone. And something else I know is that it affects everyone differently and that’s definitely okay. But there is something special that happens when you lose someone you love so dearly. There is hidden joy in the fact that they are in such a beautiful place with other people they love. Find the hidden joy in the sadness and embrace the memories.

We got a card after you passed grandpa, in fact, we got a lot of cards. But this one, it was special- it said that we should celebrate your memories and in those memories, we will find comfort. It’s hard because sometimes the memories will make you cry more or make you even sadder that they are gone, but really this is a time to be so grateful and find joy in the gratitude. I am so grateful God placed such a wonderful person on this planet and specifically in our lives. Then when we look at the difference they have made, the impact they have had, and the love they brought into our lives, never could and that is where you should find joy.

Find joy in knowing that your loved one is with our King and that they are with their eternal family and you will be with them one day. Thank you, grandpa, for loving my grandma until the day you died and for staying faithful to her while she waited for you in Heaven. Thank you for waiting until I could return home to let go. Thank you for listening to us when we told you that you didn’t need to suffer anymore and that It was okay to be with grandma. At times like these, find joy in the silence.

I have imagined this day, I never wanted to in fact- but the only word to describe all of this is bittersweet. As much as I want you here, there is no way that I should be selfish and keep you from the love of your life any longer. There is no way I could watch you suffer anymore, that is the sweet part, the sweet joy from the Lord. It’s pretty bitter that you are gone, it always will be, but the joy of knowing how happy you are now will outweigh any of my hurt here on earth.

If you have found the hidden joy within your loss, help someone else find it and walk with them. This joy is something so precious that only can come from the Lord. Be so joyful for the peace your loved one has. Rejoice in the life they lived and how much you loved them. Grandpa, I am so full of joy that you loved us so much. Thank you for waiting for me to get home before you let go.