Granddaddy,

Tonight we had a family dinner at Mema’s house. As I sat and watched my little and big cousins play football in the yard, I couldn’t help but think of you. I so wish that you were still here and that you could sit and watch your grandchildren goof off in your yard and eat Mema’s home cooking with your family. I know you would have enjoyed it and all the other years that you have been gone. I miss you so much and I so wish I could have gotten the chance to know you better. I wish you could have seen me graduate. I wish you could have seen your five great-grandchildren be born. I wish you could have seen me and your other grandchildren grow up. I was only three when you died and I don’t really remember much about you, except that you were one of the sweetest, hard-working men to walk the planet. I remember looking up to you and loving you like crazy. I think of you often and what it would be like if you were still here; and I am so thankful to know that you are in heaven watching over and laughing at your family that you so dearly loved.

When I think of heaven I think of streets of gold, worship, and God in all His glory. I think of a place without pain, suffering, and evil. I am especially looking forward to this, and I am so glad that you are in this place with our Father. But I think I’m missing a big point of heaven. Matthew 6:19-24 talks about treasure in Heaven. In this passage, Jesus speaks of the eye being healthy so that the whole body is healthy, and the only way for this to happen is to be with God, to be in his presence and rest on his solid promises. To store up treasures in heaven means to obey Jesus’ teaching and follow him relentlessly. Our treasure in Heaven isn’t the place that it is or the joy that we will feel there. Our treasure is God. It is rewarding to have no sickness, death, or evil in heaven; but even more importantly, the real reward in heaven is getting to be with God. As I am growing in my relationship with Christ and learning more and more about God, I am overjoyed that God is our treasure in Heaven. The greatness of God is beyond my understanding. I am positively overwhelmed when I think of how good God is, and I joyfully weep when I think of you being there with Him.

So, when I am missing you, Granddaddy, and feeling sad about all the things that you didn’t get to be here for, I think about how you are in heaven with God, who is your treasure; and my heart is filled with joy for you. Thinking of you being filled with joy and worshipping and getting to be with our Father is the only thing that makes missing you easier. I hope you know that your family loves you so much, and are grateful for the man that you were. Your God-fearing, loving, and sweet heart had a big influence on each and every one of us. I can’t wait to see you in heaven one day and enjoy our great Father together.

Love,

Your granddaughter