It's been a tough week. My grandfather passed away. He was 97 years old and still living in his own house...something I aspire to. He was an independent, funny, wise man and he'll be greatly missed in this world. He has a new home now.
Faith is the belief in things unseen. Every one of us has the chance for a new home and a new life, beyond this one.
My guys. They're still at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Basically, in the middle of nowhere. When life gets claustrophobic at the camp, they head into town (Raton-some miles away) for some good old Denny's. Number Two had loaned his vehicle to friends for just such an excursion but, on the way back, an elk jumped out in front of the car and it was totalled.
It was completely a God thing.
That car had 5 guys in it, one of whom wasn't using his seatbelt. The elk hit the front of the car, then bounced off the windshield (people have been killed by animals coming through the windshield, into the car.) It was 1:30 in the morning. They were going the speed limit...about 60 mph. Elk can weigh about 500-1200 pounds...at that speed, it's like hitting a brick wall.
There were no serious injuries.
The policeman who came to the scene said that they were extremely lucky that no one was killed. In my book, that's not luck...that's a God thing.
Faith is the belief in things unseen. God's unseen hand was hovering right over the boys in that car. Someone in that car, or that was involved with the accident, or that hears about it...needs to know that.
I think you need a hug. Thinking of you sweetie.
Posted by: Mary Beth | Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Sending you a loving embrace as you celebrate your sweet grand father's life. It sounds as though he was blessed with a long active life.
And yes, definitely a "God thing" with all of those young lives being spared.
Hugs
Diana
Posted by: Diana Frey | Friday, August 19, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Deryn, I'm so sorry to hear of your Grandfather's passing. It's such a blessing that he was still independent. And the boys! I'm so glad they are safe.
Posted by: Leslie Todd | Friday, August 19, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Deryn, sorry for your loss. My grandparents are all gone. I meet some really amazng older people through the hospital, and so many of them are till living independently- it's very inspiring.
Posted by: Lee | Friday, August 19, 2011 at 06:21 AM
I'm so terribly sorry -- but what a wonderful, long life!!!! I'm praying for you all.
Posted by: Lori Anderson | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 07:15 PM
I am so sorry for your loss Deryn! How blessed you were to have loved him!
Posted by: Maija | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Please accept my condolences on your dear Grandfather's passing. Granddaughters and Grandfathers have such special bonds that last throughout eternity and I am sure you still feel his prescence.
It's thanks to God that no one was hurt in the car accident, you are so right on about that one!
Posted by: sharon palac | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 03:14 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, grandparents are a wonderful thing. I miss mine every day. Revel in the thought that he will live on in another world as well as ours, in your mind and the minds of everyone whose life he touched.
Posted by: Lezli | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 08:16 AM
How fortunate you were to have a lovely grandfather so long in your life.. may the memories you have help you through this week. It was a blessing indeed that was no-one was hurt in the car....I have never seen a moose but can see how they could create such damage.
jenni
Posted by: jenni connolly | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 06:33 AM
I am so sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing Deryn, his life was truly blessed to live to 97 and still independent. Thank God for the safety of those boys and let's hope they understand who was at the wheel!
Posted by: Laura Twiford | Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 05:20 AM
Sorry for your great loss, Deryn.
Posted by: Dawn | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Beautiful and so true. I'm sorry about your grandfather....what a blessing he lived in his own house to such a wonderful age. Praise the Lord those boys are okay.
Posted by: Linda Jo | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 09:09 PM
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather's passing. It sounds like he lived a good life.
Glad to hear too that all is well after the Elk.
God was definitely watching.
xoxo
Posted by: Marie | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 09:08 PM
Deryn,
I am so sorry to hear of your grandfather's passing. But, like you said, he has a new home now. And, our faith tells us that we will meet again. How comforting.
And, thank God all the boys, including your boys, were covered by God's hand on their trip to town. A miracle indeed.
Posted by: diane cook | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 08:37 PM
Deryn,
I'm sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I lost one of my wonderful aunts, my father's sister, Aug. 7th. She had celebrated her 90th birthday at the end of July and was living life up to the last min. I hope I will be able to do the same. At her service the minister said one thing she always wanted people to do was to be kind...just be kind to one another. While sad for us, my faith tells me that there were shouts of celebration and joy when our relatives rejoined their loved ones.
peace
Posted by: Dale | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 08:27 PM
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. He sounds like he was a wonderful man. Thank goodness the boys don't have serious injuries. That accident had the potential for catastrophe. I assume the poor elk didn't make it.
Posted by: Cynthia @ Ornamental Style | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Having a wonderful grandfather is priceless. I loved my dearly and I am sure you did too.
May all the wonderful memories help you this week.
Smiles, Andra
Posted by: Andra | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 02:13 PM
So sorry about your grandfather, but you and I know that his new home is more than he/we could ever imagine. And I am certain that it was a God thing with the accident - so grateful for no serious injuries. I'll pray for you and your family today.
:) Molly
Posted by: Molly Alexander | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Amen to that!
Posted by: Cheryl Simpson | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Deryn, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful grandfather and for the fright of the accident involving your guys friends. Sadness and terror all in the same week. Peace is coming, I hope for you. BTW, your work is beautiful. I admire from afar, a lot. Ann
Posted by: Ann Hiltner | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 09:03 AM
WOW! Deryn, you have been thru a lot the last week! I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather, but am so glad that those boys made it out of that car accident safely....God's hand was truly in that. Keep the faith :)
Posted by: Kimberly Roberts | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 09:00 AM
You have my sympathy on the loss of your grandfather. Just hold on to those good memories!
Posted by: Kay Mallery | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 08:59 AM
I'm so sorry to hear that your beloved grandfather passed away. How wonderful that he was able to stay at home, something I think most of us would want for ourselves when we reach the end of our earthly lives.
Goodness, I'm so glad there were no severe injuries in that moose accident! It just goes to show how much WE are NOT in charge. I learned this so quickly when my mother fought a losing battle with cancer, and just 5 weeks later my 23 year old nephew was killed in a motorcycle accident.
The only thing that gets us through is our faith.
Posted by: Alice | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 08:39 AM
It definitely was a God-thing. Glad to read they are all okay. I'm sorry to read of your grandfather's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family Deryn. God Bless. xxx
Posted by: Susan | Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 08:33 AM