Gratituesday: Memories

I learned that my college roommate/best friend lost her grandfather yesterday.  It was a sad day.  I had only met him once or twice, but his passing reminded me that the wounds of losing my grandparents, friends,  and students are still quite fresh. 

I am thankful for these sad days of rememberance, even though they are bittersweet.  These days help keep the memories alive. 

I was reminded last night of:

• how soft my Grandma's skin always was when I kissed her cheek
• how Pap always had his breakfast table set the same way and had his coffee crystals (which caused a disasterous mothers day breakfast in bed years later when I didn't realize that ALL coffee isn't like his crystals)
• how Grandpop loved working with wood and creating beautiful works of art.  I always loved how the woodshop smelled.
• Now Namu always had my favorite snacks on hand for when we visited and how she always smiled when there was music
• how my friend Scott had a great sense of humor
• how my student, Kyle, worked so hard to be able to graduate early and with honors although he didn't get to graduate

I didn't mean this to be a downer of a post.  I find these memories to be beautiful.  They cause me to long more for Heaven where there will no longer be suffering, sickness, or death.

Click on over to Heavenly Homemaker for other great posts of thankfulness!