Thankful For Granddaddy

It's early Thursday morning, and once again I can't sleep.  My mind keeps replaying the many moments of the past few days.  I started thinking about the fact that usually on Thursdays my sister Susanne posts a blog about what she is thankful for, so I decided to do the same.

Today I am the most thankful for having the opportunity and privilege to know and love my father-in-law, Russell Jackson.  Friday morning this precious man was taken from my life.  As bad as the circumstances were that morning, I am thankful I was there.  I am so thankful that Patrick and I came back into the house and that Rusty hadn't left for work yet.  I am thankful that he was playing with Nathan and was happy.   I am thankful that our family rallied around us in the midst of our sorrow.  But I am most thankful that he went to be with Jesus in heaven.

I look back on my time with "Granddaddy" and I am so thankful that God brought him into my life.  I have so many memories, both good and bad, but I am glad to have them at all.  He was such a special man and I am thankful that he loved me.  I am thankful for the many afternoons we sat outside and watched the boys play.  I am thankful for the conversations we had about everyone we knew, or really nothing at all.  I am thankful that he was my "Dad" but mostly that he was my friend.

I am thankful for the influence he was/is on Rusty.  I have a wonderful husband only because he wanted to be just like his dad.  I am thankful that Rusty was there Friday morning.  I am thankful that he had the opportunity to save his father's life, even though God had other plans.  I am thankful that through Rusty, I knew one of the greatest men on earth.

Today I am the most thankful that he was here for the first six years of Patrick's life.  What a pair!  I am not sure who loved who more, but I know that to each other they were "Best Buddies".  I am thankful for the many experiences Granddaddy brought into Patrick's life;  whether it was reading stories, exploring nature, or playing sports and games.  I am thankful that Patrick remembers only the good things about his granddaddy.

I am thankful that Nathan got to know him at all.  I am thankful that he had the past few weeks to spend time with Granddaddy alone.  I am thankful for the bond that they shared.  My only regret is that Nathan will never know how wonderful his granddaddy was.  But I am thankful that Patrick will be able to share his memories with Nathan.

Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to know such a wonderful man!

Granddaddy, words cannot express the thanks I have to you for all you did for me and my family.  You will never know how much you meant to me and I am sorry I didn't tell you enough.  I will never forget your love, support or friendship.  And to put it in Patrick's words, " Sorry you got sick.  I love you!"