Today we were supposed to be on our way for two full weeks of a family vacation to our home in Florida! Sun, Fun, Food, and Memories Made! We bought airline tickets, asked off from work, arranged vacation schedules to match all of the grandkids Fall Break Schedule, and ALL looked forward to one Last (at least for Joe) Vacation Together in Florida! Instead, (with Joe’s health failing very quickly) I watched in awe as All of my kids, their spouses, and All 7 of the grandkids (well the 8 month old watching on) rolled up their sleeves, and dug in (literally) to create Joe’s special place. In case you missed the story I posted months ago, here’s how it goes:
Joe: “What do you think about cremation?” Me: “I don’t have any problem with it!”
Joe: “Good, I was thinking when I go – you can put my ashes on the mantle, and talk to me if you want. Then, what do you think about when you go that they mix our ashes in together?” Me: Doesn’t matter to me, we’ve been mixed together for most our life anyway!”
Joe: “Good! I would like to have an oak tree planted, with a sign that says “Peanut Loved Angel” (that’s what our grandkids call us), When we both go, the kids can mix our ashes together, and spread our ashes around the oak tree. Then they can have a bench under the oak, and when someone asks “Who is Peanut & Angel?” – our Love Story of Faith can be told for generations to come! It would be in honor of our Life Verse from Isaiah 61:3 “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy, instead of mourning, and a garment of praise, instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Me: (Laughing and Crying). That would be great!
No, there were no palm trees and sunshine (though we planted over 150 tulip, daffodil, and crocus bulbs around the oak & bench) but 43 degrees, dirt, sand, and hard labor instead! Still . . . there was fun, food, fellowship, laughter, tears of joy, and memories made to last a lifetime! Psalm 78:6 “So the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children”.
Father, I know your plans are to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11) You know how disappointed we all were not to go to Florida together, but in Your Infinite Wisdom You knew this plan needed to be completed. It is one more step in the healing process, of not Fearing Death! Though we All will mourn when Joe dies, we Know that He will be waiting for us when You come again, or we join him in our Eternal Home! Thank You for altering our plans to give us Your Perfect Plan!!
You two are simply amazing! Your words & heart that you share inspire to all what true Godly love is suppose to be! Thank you for listening to God & helping us learn more!
So precious!!! Love you all so much. Believing God’s best is in your future,
Oh Julie. I have no words. Love you both
Absolutely beautiful. We surly serve a Glorious God. May His Hand be on you ,Joe and your family now and always. ❤️❤️🙏🙏.
This is absolutely a perfect ending…no more to be said. Always thinking of you both…
What a blessing you and Joe are to so many many people, Julie. You are living your reality out loud for all the world to know our Savior, what a gift. 💜💜
I find so much strength in your faith. Thank-you for sharing your journey. All my love to you, Joe and your family. xx
This is beautiful.
What a beautiful story. Every time I come across your post, “I’m am better person for having read it. May God continue to keep you & your family in His perfect peace, is my prayer.
Beautiful message
So sad, but trusting in the Lord to guide you. Love you all!
What a beautiful love story, it will be told for generations! They will tell about the faith, the love, the laughter….LEGACY. Hold them tight Jesus..😘🙏.
Julie, I cried reading this. It’s your faith and attitude that has really touched me. Your words and family story. The family that sounds like ours the cicumstances that are real. Your family in planted in my prayers.
Your faith filled words are an inspiration to all of us Julie. Prayers and belief as your family continues this journey.
Julie you are amazing, praying daily for you and Joe. I’m better for knowing both of you
Tears welling up………..I’d been praying for this trip for you all. But God………he makes all things perfect in his timing. Nothing is ever wasted in his kingdom. Press on sister!