“We sorrow not as those which have no hope”

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:5

Yesterday, August 25, 2010, my Gramps went home to be with the Lord.  There are a lot of details that I still don’t know, but it has been suggested that he had a heart attack or stroke while driving.  Gramps was sick and had a low immune system already, from undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C.  He has had many heart problems in the past.

Grams and Gramps celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2006.  The picture above is the most recent picture of them, from our family reunion in June 2010.

As I was putting updates on Facebook, I was overwhelmed at how many people commented just to say they were praying.  This is the first loss of a loved one that I have experienced.  It means a lot to have so many friends who will pray.  When I spoke to my Grams on the phone yesterday, I told her that a lot of people were praying for us.  She said simply, “God is good.”

We have seen God’s hand at work in this trying time.  Someone recognized Gramps’ car (it was an antique Falcon!) and saw him slump over the steering wheel.  They not only called 911, but also notified the family.  My Aunt Leah was just returning from visiting Grams & Gramps, and was able to meet up with Dad in Denver to return to Oklahoma after receiving the news that Gramps was in critical condition.  Dad & Leah drove all night to get to Muskogee, and they were able to see Gramps before he was taken off life support.  Uncle Lewis was there also.  I am so grateful that we were all able to spend time with Gramps this summer at the family reunion.  It was short, but I will remember it. 

I am so grateful that I was blessed with a Christian family – even my  extended family.  And I am comforted in the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 which tells me that I don’t sorrow as those who have no hope.  I do have hope, and confidence, that I will see Gramps again one day.  It is reassuring to know that he is pain-free and in the presence of Jesus right now.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

The funeral is to be on Saturday, and we would appreciate your prayers for our family as we travel and grieve during this time.

Grams with me as a baby

 
Gramps with his miniature horse “Mr. Ed”

 The Godby family in 2008
Zane, Wesley, Dad, Ben, Kenny, Aunt Ann, Uncle Tim
Madalyn, Mom, Me, Kaylah, Aunt Leah, Uncle Marlin
Gramps, Grams, Nicole, & Michael
(Whitney, Kelty, Uncle Lewis, & Aunt Becky were missing)

Kenny, Wesley, Me, Dad, Mom, Grams, and Gramps at my college graduation in May, 2007

 
My Great Aunt Charlotte, Grams, Gramps, and Gramps’ brother Uncle Lee.  You couldn’t tell Lee & Gramps were related, could you?

 
Four Generations – Gramps, Dad, Grams, Me, & Elaine
June 2010

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
1 Corinthians 15:54

We love you Gramps.  You will be missed!
Love, Ben, Andrea, & Elaine