Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is never easy, but when you know you'll never seem someone again this side of heaven, it's something you just can't prepare for. Matt's Grandma Sorensen passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 and we got the call from Matt's parents the following morning. You know this day will come, but you never expect it and certainly can't be prepared for how it will affect you.
We drove up to their house in Pennsylvania on Sunday for the funeral. And although the reason we were all coming up to Scandia wasn't a good one, it was so great to be with the entire family. It was actually the first time everyone had been together for about 12 years--and the first time I had met some of Matt's cousins. The weekend was full of mixed emotions--it was so fun to be together and hang out at Gram and Gramp's but so sad that Gram couldn't be there with all of us to enjoy it. She was an amazing woman who loved Jesus more than anything. She devoted her life to Him and to bringing His message to those around her. She was married for almost 62 years to Matt's Grandpa, raised 4 amazing children, taught Sunday School at church for over 60 years and even taught the Sunday before she passed away. She had a generous heart that overflowed with the love of Christ. She will be terribly missed here. But we know that she is where we all desire to be--with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And she's with many friends and family members who have already gone to be with Him.

I wanted to put some pictures on here, both of our weekend in Pennsylvania and also some from Gram's life. She was a precious woman that we are missing daily.

All the grandkids, 2 wives, and 2 greatgrandkids

4 generations of Sorensen men (and they are all firstborns!)

Gramp

Although this isn't a great picture, I am so glad I have it. Before she passed away, Gram had bought this doll and cradle to give to Sadie. When we got to the house, Gramp gave it to her and Sadie loved it. She carries that doll around with her and loves the cradle--her first! It was so special yet so difficult. Gramp saw how much Sadie loved it and it just broke his heart to know that Gram wasn't there to see the joy in her eyes. And it still breaks my heart that Gram wasn't able to give it to Sadie. It will be forever cherished!

Gram and Gramp's house is on some of the most beautiful land. They live up in the Allegheny National Forest on many acres of woods, open fields, ponds, etc. So we had a great time being outside on the pond Gramp made playing broomball. We laughed so hard and had so much fun!

In Gram's kitchen, Sadie helped my mother-in-law do the dishes.

Cammie and Gramp

Enjoying family

And now a look back.........

Gram and Gramp and their four kids at my in-laws wedding

and now 36 years later

Gram and Gramp's 50th Wedding Anniversary in Pennsylvania

...and now 12 years later...
Some great memories of Gram.....

..her amazing homemade applesauce...

(that's Matt on the back of the car)

Gramp and Gramp, my father-in-law and Matt and his siblings

Gram and Matt--her first grandchild

Peryl Mae Sorensen---a blessing to anyone who knew her. When we shared the news with Wyatt, we tried to explain as much as we could about death to a 4 year old. And, as is often the case, seeing things through a child's eyes is so refreshing. We said, "We are sad because we won't get to see Gram anymore, but Gram is happy because she is with Jesus now."
Wyatt's response was, "Well I want to go see Jesus now." And it just reminded us of how true this is. We talk about how much Jesus means to us all the time and Wyatt is always asking about getting to see Him, so it shouldn't be a surprise to me that Wyatt immediately recognized that Gram is where we'd all like to be. As my father-in-law reminded us all at the funeral, we are spiritual beings with earthly bodies. This life on earth is a small section of our eternal life. And when we focus on this, it does help to remember where Gram is and that we know we will one day be with her again. What a joyful day that will be!