For Poppop, With Love

A while back, I posted about a pin oak tree that grew in my grandfather's front yard, and how much that tree had meant to him. Over time, that tree began to mean so much to me and it now symbolizes my family, my roots, and his legacy.

I spoke to my mom a couple weeks ago and we talked about what she will be doing on May 12th, the one year anniversary of my grandfather's passing. She said she'd like to plant a tree, but they aren't currently living somewhere where they can do that.

I thought that was a wonderful idea, so I began calling around to several area nurseries to inquire about purchasing a pin oak tree. Isn't it just like God to do something extraordinary in our circumstances, even in the seemingly little things? Let me elaborate...

As I was calling various places, I found a place called Countryside. This is significant because my grandfather and our family were involved in a church by the same name in Nebraska. I just found out from my mom yesterday that my grandfather put a roof on that church back in the day (his business was construction). Coincidence? I think not.

This has been a hard couple of days. I am sure the nice man helping me at Countryside thought it odd that there were tears in my eyes as I selected my pin oak tree and asked questions about its longevity and its care. I don't mind. The reality of his passing hits home once again and I find myself experiencing waves of sadness. God has been so faithful in comforting me in every way, even as I purchased that tree.

I pray that the roots of our new tree will grow deep and take hold into the soil in which it will be planted. I pray that the roots of our family tree will be deep and strong, firmly planted in Christ and that all of our branches will serve Him and be a blessing to others.

One year ago tomorrow our beloved Poppop went Home. I miss him so much it hurts. But I am so incredibly thankful for the wonderful years we were given with him and I can't wait until we are reunited. Perhaps someday, we'll sit together under the heavenly trees....

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." ~Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)