I’m currently writing this blog at home. I will be spending the weekend here in TN but I’ll be back at AIM on Sunday. Here’s why.
At the beginning of this week, I received a phone call that my grandfather had gone to Heaven. He battled cancer for the last month and a half of his life and it was super hard to see him in so much pain. But before I get ahead of myself, I want to dedicate this blog post as a letter to him.
Dear Grandpa,
My heart is heavy writing this to you. I feel super humbled when I think of how proud you were when I told you that I’d be traveling for nine months doing missions. I remember you would tell me all you knew about the countries I’d be going to, which was a lot because you loved to learn and you did a lot of traveling yourself. I always think of you when I find a new trail or river to explore because those were your favorite places to be. I miss how you would tell us stories from the airforce and how reckless you were then and how you would get in trouble for flying the planes when you weren’t supposed to. I miss the stories you’d tell us about when you were a boy on the farm and how you grew up. The thing I loved most about you is your quiet but firm leadership and how you respected everyone around you. You taught me to set my standards high for how a real man should live and act. I’m sad that you’re not here but rejoicing that you aren’t in any more pain and that you are reunited with your son who went Home six years before you did. You raised him so well and you and him were so close. It brings me comfort that you are in the presence of our Savior and you get to rest in His love for all eternity. I hope you know how much I love you and how much I cant wait to see you again. I miss you so very much.
Love,
Hannah
Hannah, Thank you for your words. This is a grand tribute to your grand father.
miss you hannah!
i know he is so proud of you
Hannah this letter to your grandfather is beautiful and sweet. May your time there with your family be special filled with memories of love. Shaun and I grieve with you and celebrate with you. We are praying for the most beautiful comfort from Holy Spirit for you and your family. Your coaches
Hannah this letter is beautiful! So much Glory to God and reflection on the wonderful life your grandfather lived! Love ya girl!
Sweet Hannah, what beautiful words. Love you.
Hannah, This is beautiful. I’ve never met you nor any of your family, but this tribute to your grandfather is touching, and I’m certain his legacy is carried out in the decisions you are making to run hard after Jesus in this nine month World Race Gap Year. You are brave to grieve his loss with your family and return to Gainesville in such a short amount of time. I’ll be in prayer for you as you transition back to Squad C, remembering him, yet pressing into what God has for you in this season.
Blessings,
~Katie Chandler (Nathan’s Mama)
P.S. My family is from Gallatin, TN, and we have some sweet connections to Springfield. Beautiful country!
Hello Hannah, Your words to your grandfather are truly beautiful, deep and heartfelt. He must have been an amazing man. I know your heart is grieving now so I pray for you and your family….remember you have been given such a gift, in your grandfather, to love him so deeply that your separation in this earth hurts profoundly. You will be reunited one day and you will have so many beautiful stories to tell each other. I’m sure your grandfather and your Heavenly Father are very proud of you!
Oh Hannah,
These words…
The passing of your Grandfather left me without any. But reading this gave my heart the words to help me grieve. There is no other like him. He is such a good man.
Thank you for this.
Thank you!
Love you Kayla!!
Thank you and love y’all!
Love you Paige!
Love you Mom 🙂
Love you Abby!
Aww thank you!
(Yes I love TN!)
Thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you! Miss y’all!
No doubt he is so proud!
Dan – Paige’s dad
I absolutely love this.