Friday, April 13, 2012

Easter...He has risen!!

Mom,
Not that I dwell on this, but I am reminded of the events of Easter (or the time around Easter) for the past 2 years. I can remember 2 years ago going to Madison to hear the devastating news that you had an awful disease called cancer and you would only live for 12 months. Then 12 months later, you left this life here on earth and your funeral was a week before Easter. And this year, Livi and Mia were having a snack before going to church for breakfast and Livi asked if Grandpa Erickson and You were going to come for Easter. It broke my heart, but I said "No, they won't be there. Do you miss them? And she stuck her little lip out and said "Yes". I said that I miss you both, too, gave them hugs! But I have a hope in Jesus, who conquered death and the tomb was empty!!! Praise the Lord!! During the Easter service at church we sang the Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace (at the bottom of this post there is a link to a video of this song), which was the one we used at your service. My heart just melts to hear those words. Even though I feel an earthly sadness there is a heavenly promise that I am reminded of.
For our Easter celebrations we started on Saturday with birthday (Uncle Scott's and Kurt's)/Easter at grandpa and grandma Lowman's. We had a delicious meal with an Easter egg hunt for the girls outside. I forgot, Dad had Easter baskets for the girls on Friday. He even bought them hula hoops and tried to show the girls how to use them. I love his enthusiasm. Then for lunch on Sunday, we went to Aunt Donna's with just a small group of us. Lunch was delightful followed by an Easter egg hunt. Then we went over to the Erickson's for dinner. For the first time in 8 years the adults got a chance to visit and carry out an entire conversation!!! I guess that's what happens when we don't have babies anymore.
On the way home, we received a phone call from grandpa and grandma Lowman. Grandma was calling to let us know that Noni had passed away around 7:30 p.m. On my goodness!! My heart just broke. I know that she was tired and not feeling well, but I just wasn't ready for her to go.
Well, as you and Dad said early on "It is what it is". I will choose to celebrate our Risen Savior!!!
Love ya, Jenn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

Friday, April 6, 2012

Memories are a beautiful thing

Dear Mom,
Well, one year ago on April 1st is when you left this life on Earth and were relieved from your earthly pain and discomfort. As our family stood by your bed side and watched you peacefully take your last breath, we held on to the hope our Heavenly Father has promised us...this world is not our home, we are just passing through and there is a place more wonderful...HEAVEN!!! We miss you dearly and sometimes hate the fact that you are not here to celebrate the holidays with us or birthdays or even to call and ask for a recipe. But again, we hold on to the hope of God's plan for our life! Even those painful/lonely days, we want to bring glory and honor to God!!
On Sunday, April 1st, family gathered together at Egg Harbor for lunch after church, traveled to the cemetery (grandma Lowman read a poem, grandpa Lowman prayed, many tears were shed, hugs were shared, and we held each other up), and then we moved to your house for pie and ice cream. We enjoyed delicious home baked pies prepared by DAD!!! They were gorgeous and yummy!! We were so appreciative of the support and encouragement of those around us that day!
Mom, I always wonder how Mia and Livi are handling all of this. You and their grandpa Erickson were erased from their lives within a matter of 6 months. It breaks my heart! Especially since I am so blessed to have both of my grandparents alive and such an active part of my life, not to mention a 102 year old great-grandmother! So, we share memories of your lives! We look at pictures! We remember those "character building" moments! We pass on traditions that you began for us! And most importantly, we share the love of Jesus with them and pray that they will be a shining light unto the world! Thank you for the memories.
Love, Jenn