As my dad left our house last night to spend the night at his house alone for the very first time, our daughter, Bennett, said to him "You won't be alone Grammpa, you have Jesus!"
Our children have such an amazing perspective on death, one that I am trying to cling to. They don't ask where their Gramma is because they know exactly WHERE she is. She is in Heaven.
On Christmas morning when I came home with my Dad to our house, I had to tell our two kids that Gramma went to be with Jesus before they came downstairs to see what Santa brought them. We were worried that it would put a damper on their Christmas day (like we were feeling!). But when I told Brayden his face lit up and he said, "Gramma went to Heaven! Now she can celebrate Jesus' birthday with Him." There were no tears. Just joy for her. For where she is now.
I know they are still young and in the days ahead they may miss seeing her and being with her. But I wanted to share their reaction with you because I think children are so much closer to Heaven than we are...they get it!
So in the moments when I feel the saddness well up inside me, I try to hold on to reaction.
Also, want to let you all know that we have not decided on where or when a service will be held yet. First and foremost, we are working on taking her ashes to Hawaii which was her wishes.
I will post more information on services in the coming weeks.
Happy New Year!
For these moments, I wish I were young again too. How precious. We love you all. Thanks Mandy for keeping Auntie so close to us.
ReplyDeleteLove Shan
Wow Amanda! How precious and beautiful not on,y that your kids get it and can hold onto it, but that you can get some joy and perspective from them. What you have taught them about Jesus is now coming back full circle to remind and comfort you! Thank you for sharing! Love to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your children's words. Just this morning I was reading Jesus words that we need to humble ourselves and become as little children.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mandy, I too thought your Mom was a gift to Jesus on his birthday! What a wonderful and loving family you have!! give your dad a hug, my prayers continue for your family, I remember a lot of your Aunts and Uncles, loved going there as a teen, your Grandma Rose was such a wonderful lady! SO MUCH action in that house!! Have one of the boys tell you a story of the snake in the bread drawer!! Huggs, Marcie
ReplyDeleteDear Tani Family,
ReplyDeleteSome children know what a joy it is to be called to heaven. They don't just hope for it or wish for it...they KNOW it.
I have a similar story to share... a gift of faith and joy through the eyes of a child.
When Grandma Rose passed away a few years ago I flew out to Calif for the funeral. It was a sad time for the Nolan family. I am not very comfortable with funerals but had decided at the last minute to attend. Laurie and her granddaughter Chandler picked me up at the airport. Chandler may have been about 5 years old at the time, I don't recall exactly. When she saw me she told me she had a surprise for me. But I had to wait until we got to Laurie's house to see it. When we arrived there she told me to close my eyes. She took my hand and led me into the room where Grandma Rose stayed until her death. Then she said to me, "Open your eyes".
And then she said something I will never forget... and she said it with so much excitement in her voice... "Look!!". "She's not here anymore!!". "She's in heaven!!!".
What was a very sad moment in my life, entering into the room where my Mom passed from this earth, suddenly became a celebration! This little child sharing with me her excitement because, SHE KNEW. She knew just where Grandma Rose was now. And Chandler was so full of joy for her.
As I later recalled this gift of faith I received from one so young I realized just who it was who planned this gift for me...Our Wonderful Heavenly Father who knows all our needs and provides our comfort in times of grief. I am forever grateful for this gift. And forever grateful to the little one who delivered this precious gift to me.
Blessings of comfort to your family
Love from Linda, and Al too.
"From the mouths of babes"!
ReplyDeleteThe little ones will help us get through this very sad time.
Sending our love,
Joan & Mike
Thank you Mandy! yes, our children have such a precious and unconditional love for all. I believe they have felt that from your mom and dad...such a gift.
ReplyDeleteI want to really honor your dad aka: Uncle Rick..for loving and marrying such a beautiful woman and mother. I believe it says a lot about him and what a loving man he is. Uncle Rick, you may not have Auntie Kathy physically here, but the memories, experiences and love you two have shared! Some may never have that in their lifetime. I know she is with you everyday. I know she is with all of us in her own unique way. So...Uncle Rick...thank you for marrying and bringing Auntie Kathy into the Tani family. You gave all of us the greatest gift a niece or nephew can ask for.
May there be peace in our hearts and in the world...Love, Michelle
Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. We continue to pray for you and your family. Sincerely in Christ, Gunnar
ReplyDeleteMandy - u & ur family have been heavy on my heart this week. U r in my thots & prayers. I happened upon this blog when searching for info on ur Mom's memorial. What a powerful testimony of what Jesus tells us in Scripture -- that we must believe as the little children do. Thank you Brayden & Bennett for your faith!! And for sharing that strength with the rest of us. What a gift of peace & hope to know that you will be reunited with Kathy one day soon!
ReplyDeleteLovingly, Lisa Christy