beyond this Earth and into the Heavens

Dear Jillian…

A dear person to mommy’s heart passed away this past Friday. Your great-grandpa Stuckey’s life now extends beyond this Earth and into the Heavens. You watched me cry Friday evening, not understanding why or what to do. And I wish for you to not feel as I do, but I know that one day Death will take away someone you love. I can only hope to be there for you. Hug you. Kiss you. Comfort you.

Little did you know that you were able to comfort me, too. Just looking into my eyes. Resting your head on my knees. Smiling my hurt away. You may never fully grasp what a magnificent man my grandfather was, but I will not miss an opportunity to share stories and photos of his time together with us.

I will miss Grandpa’s blue eyes, but I’m grateful your eyes remind me of his. I will miss his warm hugs, but I hope to hug you and others just as lovingly as he did. I will miss his steadfast prayers to ‘Guide us throughout this day’, but our daily prayers will carry on that adage. I will miss him, but I’m assured he will always be with us.

This is my tribute to your great-grandfather and his unconditional love for you. For me.

For all of us…

Love,
Mommy