Friday, October 30, 2009

For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion...

...have mercy on us and on the whole world.

I don't usually talk about hugely personal stuff on here aside from a little bragging about my kids. And I don't talk about my faith for fear of turning people off. But I'm going to go ahead and just say a few things. 'Cause this is my blog and I'll cry if I want to.

Right now one of the most incredible men I've ever known is in a hospital room taking his last breaths surrounded by loved ones. My husband's grandfather is passing away. He's not expected to last more than a few hours at this point. He is 82 years old. Father of 9. The youngest of those 9 kids was 2 when he was widowed. He has 40 some-odd grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (3 of whom are still baking in their mama's ovens). He is the single most generous person I've ever known. And he will be sorely missed. It is no exaggeration to say that Grandpa is the patriarch of my husband's extended family. I don't know what everyone will do without him.

This is the man who delivered me to Jesus Christ. Seeing him walk in the light, seeing him so faith-filled and grace-filled and consumed with the Holy Spirit is what made me say "I want what he's having!" He is fed by Christ. So while there is a river of tears swelling up all around our family right now, there is comfort in knowing that Grandpa is certain to inherit the Kingdom.

I know some of you are Catholic, and you may recognize the line in my heading from the Divine Mercy Chaplet. If anyone thinks about it or is so inclined, I would be ever so grateful to anyone who would want to pray a Divine Mercy Chaplet or just pray as your heart desires for my husband's grandfather William Erker, Sr. and his family. We are overwhelmed with grief.

I leave you with a picture from LadyBug's baptism this past summer. That's me with the sweet baby in the middle. And that's Grandpa down in front on the right. He never missed a graduation, a wedding, a first Holy Communion, a baptism, an anything. And all those other people in the picture...well that's the love that he and we are surrounded by! That is a tiny fraction of DH's extended family (and my sister among them) - the ones that could come to witness LadyBug's baptism.



I'm sorry to unload my sadness here. I just thought it never hurts to reach out and ask for prayers at a time like this. You are all so wonderful.

Edited to add: Grandpa passed at about 5:40 pm St. Louis time. He was surrounded by family singing hymns and praying together. Thank you all for your prayers and your comforting words. I cannot even express how wonderful they have been to hear.

17 comments:

BeckySC said...

Dear Kim..please know I am praying for you and your family. I can honestly "Hear" the sadness in your post and it breaks my heart. I hope you all find comfort and strength on each other at this sad time.
NEver be afriad to ask for prayers...as a Christian, I strongly believe in the power of prayer and you shouldn't have to fear asking or posting about it.

Much love and many warm hugs

staci said...

Many, many hugs and prayers for you and your hubby's entire family. It's so difficult to lose a loved one, but I hope it's a small comfort to know that he'll be going to a place where there is no pain or sadness. And that he'll be watching over all of you.

valerie said...

So sorry to hear about your husband's grandfather. You and your DH's family is in my thoughts and prayers. May happy memories sustain you all through this incredibly difficult time.

Kathy A. said...

Oh hon ((((hugs))))). I know this will be a very difficult time for you. Your grandfather has certainly made his mark here on earth. What an awesome angel he will make!!!!

Daffycat said...

***cries*** I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. My prayers and thoughts are with you & your family.

Catherine said...

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. What a great legacy he will be leaving behind. Cherish the memories!

imnverted said...

My thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time.

Kathy said...

Your pain and sorrow comes right to me from reading your words. My thoughts and prayers are with you at thie difficult time. Your stitching friends are holding you close right now.

Jacque said...

I've been thinking about you all day after reading your FB last night. I'm so sorry.....but how very lucky you were to have him and he you! Big hugs from KC!

Anonymous said...

What a very special man! I'm so very sorry to hear of this sad event in your family. And I'm very sorry to learn of the pain you and your family are enduring. It's very inspiring to hear about his strong faith and the influence it had on you. May your faith sustain you during this difficult time. Sending prayers for you and your family.

Katrina said...

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! Lots of prayers for you and your family.

kimstitch3 said...

What a sweet and gentle man he was. Well he is with the Lord now for sure. It is sorrowful to lose a loved one, this I know, but you will see him again someday. Praying for you and your family. I too am a Christian. Take care my sister in Christ,Kimberly

Ranae said...

(((Kim)))
I am so sorry to hear your of your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family.
This is your blog and don't feel like it has to be just about stitching. We are here for better or worse.
Take care!!!

Cheryl said...

I am so sad for you and your family Kim. He sounds like he was an amazing man. As a Christian myself, i believe in the power of prayer too.
I love that picture of your family
{{hugs}}

Sharon said...

Dear Kim, what a wonderful man. I am so sorry for such a tremendous loss to you and your family. I know the Lord will bless and keep you and your family at this difficult time.

Raven/Missy said...

Kim,

I am sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Kim, I'm so sorry, I worked all weekend from Friday until Monday and I'm just now catching up with posts. I wish I could have prayed a divine mercy chaplet for your husband's grandfather the day of his death, but I shall pray one today for the repose of his soul.

You know, the thing that struck me in this beautiful post came down to one thing: Look at that picture of your baby's baptism. Does that not speak volumes? Volumes to the reward your Grandpa shall reap in the kingdom of heaven. Look at that beautiful, BIG, family and all brought to Christ and his Father and Holy Spirit, from the strength, devout, spirit of your grandpa. He lives and I know Jesus and all the saints were there to welcome him into the Kingdom.
Hold tightly to the knowledge that he is happy and knows all the mysteries of the universe and is in perfect union with our God and Creator. That will get you through some of the toughest moments of grief. I know it got me through...
Love and HUGS, Vonna