After writing a recent story about a challenging time I experienced years ago, a friend wrote to me, “Lynn, that was heartbreaking!” I responded, “Yes, it was, but it didn’t break me!”
There are many times in life when we feel overwhelmed by difficult situations. We may see no clear way to cope with our grief, heal from a breakup, or dry our tears. During these moments, we often feel depleted, defeated, and drained.
I don’t believe there is a soul on earth that has not experienced some form of sorrow. It is said that the Lord will not burden us with more than we can individually handle. However, He certainly knows how to test our limits!
At times, I felt the need to stop at one of those weigh stations off the interstate to ensure I was within the burden-load limit before continuing on.
Looking back, I am amazed that I survived the dark times. The losses multiplied as the years went by, but so did the resolve. There was something deep within that gave me the fuel to drive onward.
I was preparing for college when my grandfather passed away suddenly in August 1965. I was one of nine grandchildren who absolutely adored our grandparents. As many of you know, we affectionately refer to our grandmother as “Grandpa.”
Grandpa and Granddaddy were excitedly planning their 50th wedding anniversary for the following September. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
By the time our family drove from Georgia to their home in Tennessee after learning the devastating news, it was around 3 AM. People were gathered everywhere, and I was amazed to see so many at such an hour.
Our grandfather was immensely respected and loved by the community. However, no one loved him more than Grandpa. When we walked into the house, I looked through the throng of folks but couldn’t find my grandmother. Finally, I opened the door to a small bedroom. It was so dark, I didn’t see her at first, but then I heard a faint cry.
“Grandpa, are you here? I whispered.
Finally, I heard, “Lynn?”
She was crumpled in a ball lying near the back of the room. I took her in my arms and cradled her. I became the comforting grandmother, and she, my child.
Her losses were many, and at times, her suffering was great, but she never let the weight of despair stop her from living.
I stayed with her for three weeks. Everyone else had left, but I just couldn’t bring myself to leave her alone. I cleaned, cooked, washed clothes, curled her hair, played games, wrote notes, and we went fishing together. I kept her busy and engaged in conversation. When she cried, I cried too. We shared in each other’s sorrow and healing.
Most of us felt Grandpa wouldn’t live long without Granddaddy. I constantly prayed, “Please don’t let the heartache break Grandpa.”
We were all wrong. Grandpa lived another 29 years. Her losses were many, and at times, her suffering was great, but she never let the weight of despair stop her from living.
“Everyone has a purpose in life. I reckon mine is not fulfilled, but shoot, not quite sure what it is!” Grandpa would say with a chuckle.
Well, folks, I do know her purpose. Her reason for living a long life was to inspire others through her actions and the lessons she taught. Sometimes we don’t know precisely why we are on this journey, but God sure does.
Today, people reach out to me after reading a “Grandpa” story, saying, “We just love Grandpa!” Her humor, faith, and love have inspired thousands. Even though her life was marked by tragedy, she never allowed any of those experiences to diminish her spirit.
Yes, I experienced many heartbreaks, but watching Grandpa navigate through hers with faith as her anchor taught me that there is sunshine after the rain and hope after doubt. Even though depression derailed me a few times, it was faith that compelled me to keep moving forward on my journey.
In just four days, a neighbor’s son passed away suddenly, and a childhood friend endured a heart attack. Both families are suffering immensely and wondering how they will ‘get through’ it all. Life can throw us devastating events, but it is during these dark times that we search for arms to cradle us and the Lord to sustain us until we can see hope again.
Each of us has a purpose, and it’s our responsibility to keep pursuing it until God decides our journey is complete.
I can still feel Grandpa’s spirit with me. As I write this column, I sense her presence beside me. Sometimes, I can picture her standing there with her hands on her hips and an apron around her waist, saying, “Oh shoot, Lynn, I wasn’t as you say I was!”
I reply, “No, Grandpa, you were so much more.”
