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February 22, 2008
Ole Faithful
Joel's grandfather passed away today. He had been very sick for awhile. He was quite a character! He wore overalls all...the...time. I think I saw him in a suit for Joel's cousin's wedding. He will be missed. He crept around and didn't really get involved with all the hub-bub at family gatherings. When he spoke up though it was enough to silence the din and say something profound, totally random, or goofy. He would tempt Josiah with a stand-offish exterior and then when Jos would touch all the many buttons on his overalls Papa had a sound for each one. It was a great scene to watch. Joel resembles his grandfather in stature, wit and facial features. When I first met Joel he told me he couldn't wait to get old so he could be just like his Papa, "I just want to have an excuse to wear only overalls and Birkenstocks all day".
The first Thanksgiving that Joel and I were officially together, engaged perhaps, Papa lead us in prayer before the meal. He said he had [x] amount of children, grandchildren, etc. to be thankful for. Then he added, "Well, I have one more to add this year". He was talking about me. I was the very first in-law grandchild. That made me feel pretty special.
We have been praying that Big Papa would no longer be in pain. This did not mean we wanted him 'all better', we knew he had a better place to go. Going home to Jesus is hard for those you leave here, but for him, it's his life journey's reward.
| By | 3:05 PM
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Comments
Hi. Your artwork is lovely! My name is Laurie, and I linked your blog from Mere Ornament and was very surprised to find a picture of Nathan and Joel. My family (The Blantons) lived in your husband and his family's house somewhere around the time that picture was taken. I haven't seen Nathan and Joel for years, and it was nice to come upon this blog and see a bit of what Joel is up to. You have a beautiful family. I don't have a current blog, but I kept one for several years while we were overseas at 30dayexperiment.blogspot.com. Anyway, my husband and I and our two daughters currently live in Boston, where he is a grad student and I work from home part-time as an editor and take care of the kids.
Anyway, I thought I'd leave a comment and say hello to Joel and also offer my condolences on the death of his grandfather.
Posted by: Laurie (Blanton) Pierce at February 28, 2008 2:29 PM
I so sorry about Joel's Grandfather! He told me about it on Friday night when I talked to him! I can tell he meant the world to Joel and your family! My prayers are with Joel and the Family. Talk to you soon!
Love Always,
Roseanne
Posted by: Roseanne at February 26, 2008 10:58 AM
I'm sorry to hear about Joel's grandfather. This was a very nice post.
Posted by: carla at February 24, 2008 10:24 AM
i'm so sorry, kate... please give joel our sympathies... we'll be praying especially for you guys
Posted by: jen k at February 22, 2008 5:27 PM
