Sunday, June 1, 2008

The Legacy

This picture was taken at my Grandfather's funeral a week and a half ago. This is the whole family except for four people...I think. There are twenty-four grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. The Grandchildren

Siblings

Everything went well with the funeral. Many members of the family participated in the majority of the funeral which made it seem very personal. My cousin Wes had the message and I really appreciated all he had to share. His overall theme was a challenge as to how we use our days while we are here. Grandpa lived a lot of days and thankfully loved the Lord for all his days. I was also reminded today as my sister shared in our ABF class at church about something else that Wes shared...what really matters in our lives is how we live out the dash...referring to our tombstone where there are two numbers and a dash in between. When it's all been said and done, what will God have to say about my dash. Did I live a life pleasing to Him?...that's my desire.August 20, 1916 - May 18, 2008


On Wednesday before the funeral, Kevin and I took the kids to the house where my grandparents lived. It was such a special time to be there by ourselves...so peaceful and full of wonderful memories. It was certainly a different feeling driving up the hill this time. but as I walked around the property shooting pictures of the kids, all the memories came flooding back.I have played many hours on this swing set as a little girl. I have ran, skipped, rolled down, mowed, picked raspberries, eaten watermelon, laid in the sun, played kickball and caught lightning bugs on this beautiful grassy hill.I have driven up this driveway many times with extreme excitement after a long trip in the car. Stepping inside the house was probably the hardest part. I washed and dried lots of dishes in this sink right next to my grandma. She taught me to wash the glasses first.


Caedmon wearing Great-Grandpa's hat and thinking to himself "You been farmin' long?" One last picture before going to Grandpa's funeral.


We were so very lucky to get to stay with my cousin Dan, his wife Ashley and their sweet little boy Sam while we were there. They have another son waiting for them in Guatemala while his adoption is being completed...baby Joe is a cutie. Ashley and I are blog sisters and I love keeping up with what's going on with their family. They just bought a new home and it was such a treat to finally see it in person.


Kaiya and Sam with a prompting from their mommies :)

The kids enjoyed playing with Sam and we loved catching up with Ashley and Dan. Thanks again for such an awesome time and wonderful hospitality! It's your turn to come see us now. :)

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Sherri, what good thoughts and challenges to live life to the fullest. To live with purpose everyday God gives us. Funerals are such good reminders of what is REALLY important. I enjoyed seeing your grandparents home, and the wonderful memories you had there. How serreal to sit in the swing one more time?! It was really cool that you thought to take pictures on the swing, by the sink, on the drive walking up to the house....all special places spent with your grandparents. What a legacy they left. Neat blog. I enjoyed it. Like always.

Kurtis, Aimee - Nadia & Lana said...

Touching photos and memories. Makes me think of my own grandparents, I know they won't be with us forever...makes me sad.

Pray for us...especially for Kurt's fingerprints to be processed SOON! This is currently holding things up a bit.

~Aimee

Nicole said...

What an neat blog! What great memories you had and what great pictures to remember it all! Their farm reminds me so much of my Grandpa and Grandma Yoders farm! What a great idea to take pictures so you will always remeber!

Grandma Ruby said...

Sherri, your grandparents certainly left a legacy of lives well-lived. Thank you for sharing all the photos and memories--a glimpse into your girlhood helps me understand you just a bit better. I also had to return to memory lane in visiting my wonderful grandparents in Iowa as a little girl. Long time ago!

cheryl said...

I'm sorry for the loss, but I'm also glad for you and all of the wonderful memories you get to treasure. The photos of the your kids in the places you love are precious. By the way...where did your grandparents live?

Guatmama said...

Sherri,

Wonderful,heartfelt post! I have been waiting for this post, and not to see my photo (eeekkk). I knew that your time at the Farm would be special. What a wonderful tribute.
You are always welcome at our home - and we will take your challenge on and try to come to FW soon!