December 11, 2013

A Time To Mourn & A Time To Dance

grandpa austin, earl austin, alberta grandfatherWhat is the weight of 94 years? How heavy does that feel, resting on shoulders that bore the witness of so much life?

I can't even imagine the creep and crawl of years for this man who had silver in his hair and gold in his heart - how he did so much and loved so hard and carved himself a little place dear in my soul. Soft and gentle but with the strength of the sea - strength to carry through until heaven knocked too hard.

I think of him in tones of blue, like a sky of wispy clouds, all this love that asked for nothing as he slipped away peacefully from dreaming straight into the arms of Jesus.

I hear him laugh and it is like air and it shakes his whole body but hardly makes a sound and how he would pat my head and call me 'sweet girl' and the tickle of the long grass by his barn that time in Alberta...

I imagine him, reunited now with my grandmother, eyes sparkling like they always did, "Elsie, darling, have I got a story to tell you!"

Sleep, dear man. Rest. Dance. Play. May the legacy of your goodness carry on, just as those you've left behind will never stop loving you.

Farewell, Grandpa.

You're in my heart forever.
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14 comments:

  1. Such a sweet tribute Alanna. I appreciate that you can see through the sadness so gracefully. I wish you and your family nothing but the best in such a time of sadness and celebration.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Aidan. He was a wonderful man and I was blessed to know him.

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  2. Sorry for your loss.

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  3. Uncle Mike, Aunt KarenDecember 12, 2013

    Our thoughts are with you and the family as you travel along the path of peaceful sadness.

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  4. I loved my grandpa too .... I loved him a lot ... And after reading this ....I miss him more ....

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    1. Aw, Linda...I wish you peace and hope you have beautiful memories to cling to

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  5. Beautiful. Thanks!

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  6. Lovely, I miss my Grandfather too. He's loving life now!

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    1. Hope even in death - that's a beautiful, beautiful thing!

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  7. Hi Alana, Thanks for you beautiful reflection of Grampa. You nailed it. He'll be dancing, I'm sure, with Grandma Elsie tonight..... Hugs to your family.
    Nicole

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