Go.
I slept for 33 of the last 36 hours. I can’t remember the last time I was this sick. So this is a little late, Hombre, but since I’m still sick, I figure I scored myself a few extra minutes to write this overdue Four-Minute Friday.
Leaving Florida was sad, although a bit muted by not feeling well. It had been an emotional and crazy week, and I was glad to be leaving. Yet at the same time, boarding that plane was like peeling back a new layer of grief.
I still can’t believe that within 24 hours of Gram’s passing, we were already sorting through her stuff, making piles of things to keep, donate, or throw away. I wish we didn’t need to do it so rushed; it felt like we’d dwindled her life down to trash bags. I know it was only because of the circumstances, but still…
I’m trying to forget the worst parts of that day, those moments, and only hold onto the beautiful ones. (It’s a hard task.) My prayers really were answered. I’m so glad I was in America and could be with Gram and my family. I know you and I talked a handful of times over the years about something like this happening; you knew I’d want to be with my family if it were at all possible. It was a priceless gift that I was able to be with Gram for her last few days.
I’d even asked people to pray with me that Gram would go when we were all with her so that she’d be “surrounded by our love and wrapped in His peace”. And that’s exactly what happened.
God was good to me. And to Gram. I can’t imagine that she’d wanted to go any other way.
I’m so grateful she was never hospitalized; she never suffered from any long illness. I’m glad we didn’t have to call the list of hospices we’d compiled that morning or convince Gram to use any of the “old age supplies” we’d just purchased. She was strong until the very end.
I miss her.
I miss you.
Done.
Bless your heart, I hope you feel better soon, you sound really exhausted.
It is so amazing how God answered your prayers, and that your Gram was surrounded by her family and God’s peace.
I love the photo of her too by the way, you look like her :)
By: Birgit on July 20, 2008
at 10:13 am
wish i could give you a big hug right now! :) hope you feel better soon! love you xx
By: melissa on July 20, 2008
at 11:35 am
I love you friend.
By: Bran Muffin on July 20, 2008
at 12:39 pm
love you
By: mandythompson on July 20, 2008
at 12:53 pm
Big hug friend… big hug.
By: Kitty on July 20, 2008
at 1:32 pm
I’m sorry you’re sick! :(
Thinking of you.
By: danielle on July 20, 2008
at 3:28 pm
I’m still praying for you all, and now I will pray that you feel better too! Where are you off to now?
By: Faith Start Essenburg on July 20, 2008
at 4:25 pm
sleep is good
This is my prayer for you:
God, I pray your healing strength enter Alece’s whole being, spirit, soul and body. May she sense your power casting the ugliness to the sea of forgetfulness. Be Alece’s shield and buckler; her strong tower that she runs to for safety. Caress her with your love and breathe on her your peace. Amen.
By: @ngie on July 20, 2008
at 5:26 pm
Sleep … Sleep….
I know you are exhausted. Things will wait. If you had waited until tomorrow you would have had 8 minutes :)
My God and your God and the God gram is at His feet is providing your healing right now.
Alece stay rested…
Yes, God gave you this week for a reason, although it’s filled grief and sickness right now,
Someday back home, donning her sweater you’ll have a testimony of God’s goodness and love.
Okay… you are resting right?
Haven’t stop lovin and prayin for ya!!
By: Heidi on July 20, 2008
at 6:54 pm
Someday I will bring you soup, dang it.
I still think 33 out of 36 hours is really some sort of record. I think I’ll call you bear until you’re better.
By: Becca on July 20, 2008
at 9:27 pm
So sorry you’re sick!!! Get better…now….in Jesus name ;)
Sweety, take care of yourself please…I know things have to get done, but you need to take care of you too….we love you~
By: 1godsgal on July 20, 2008
at 11:39 pm
FYP…now…
By: Michelle on July 20, 2008
at 11:54 pm
faith — heading off to? nowhere. for now, i’m staying right here on long island.
becca — you forgot to call me bear. and make the soup panera’s broccoli cheddar.
everyone — thanks for your love and prayers. you’re so sweet to me…
By: alece on July 21, 2008
at 1:03 am
can i bring you some apple goodies? i wish i could give you a really big hug. i love you so much, miss Alece.
By: Hannah on July 21, 2008
at 1:17 am
dear sweet glory! yes you can bring me some appley goodness!
By: alece on July 21, 2008
at 1:19 am
Amen. I feel for you …
By: annie on July 27, 2008
at 1:33 am