Missing Pieces

Some of us are lucky enough to have someone or several someones who impact our life in an incredibly special way; for me it was my Mamo & Papo (my grandparents on my dad’s side). There will never be enough words to describe just how amazing these two people were. If you were lucky enough to know them you know exactly what I’m talking about. There was just something about them that left a smile on people’s hearts.

My grandma was ornery, spunky, full of energy, had the cutest sense of humor, had a bit of a temper, didn’t put up with much crap, wasn’t very patient….yep, that’s right…I definitely take after my grandma. ;) She was also absolutely beautiful and such a beautiful soul. She was elegant and classy. She was a woman after God’s own heart and she ADORED my grandpa. I’ve never seen a love like theirs up close and I’m not sure I ever will. It was unique, special, unconditional, and for eternity. It was something I’m grateful to have grown up around.

My grandpa…wow…what a man of character, strength, determination, humbleness, kindness, gentleness, selflessness. This man loved his family in such a way that I’ll never be able to explain. He took time for each of us, he invested in each of us, he encouraged us, guided us, protected us, strengthened us. {Oh hormones…the tears are flowing.} He was the rock of our family. He would give up anything to know we were happy. He is the reason I know the Lord today, he’s the reason I never give up; he’s the reason for so many great things in my life. He taught me more than I ever thought I could learn.

The two of them together were all around amazing people and I miss them more than words can say. When the holidays approach and I get the chance to spend more time with that side of my family I’m always just a tad sad because I feel those missing pieces. I know they’re always there with us as we laugh, eat, and enjoy time with one another, but it’s still hard knowing I can’t curl my head up in the chest of my Papo while he wraps his arms around me holds me tight and makes me feel safe, secure, and loved. There was something about his hugs that would never grow old. It’s hard knowing I can’t look into my beautiful Mamo’s eyes and get her riled up about something that gets her giggling and replies with “Oh Kreesta”. Two gems, two missing pieces, two incredible people in my life that I miss daily.

Some say as time goes on the pain of missing your loved ones gets easier. I don’t necessarily agree with that. I think how we deal with it gets easier, but some days the pain of those missing pieces sometimes is greater and harder to accept than when they first left us. Some days I need my grandparents more than anything and knowing I can’t drive over to their house and have them hold me in their arms and pray with me is so hard. However, I know they’re watching over me daily and I know I will get to see them again someday when the Lord calls me home. Until then, I will be so thankful for the impact they’ve created upon my life and the love they left us with.

Most importantly, I will be forever thankful to them for showing us what it meant to love one another, to love family, to serve God without reservation, and to live our lives dedicated to the Lord.

{Thank you Mamo & Papo for being the best grandparents a girl could ever ask for. I love you so much and I miss you dearly. I pray I’m making you proud.}

For those of you still blessed to have grandparents around, I encourage you to call them today, visit them, or do something special for them to remind them how much you love them and how much you appreciate them. They are gems in our life that leave too quickly. You’ll never regret spending extra time with them when you can. Relish in them, learn from them, and make as many memories with them as you can. They are precious.

xoxo,

Krista