I do my best to find God in all situations around me--in the people, the environment, and the places where God leads me. And I know, through these interactions, that God is constantly surrounding me. But I also know that God constantly surrounds me with extra help- with angels…guardian angels to look down from Heaven and watch over me, protect me, and walk this path of life with me. I know for a fact that my guardian angels have been working overtime to guide me and keep me safe on this journey so far. And earlier this week, the angels took a sigh of relief because they got extra help. The Heavens and angels rejoiced because another angel entered the Eternal Kingdom, my loving grandpa.
Meet the newest angel in Heaven, my grandpa, Anthony. He is the most loving, caring, hard-working, and incredibly stubborn people you would ever meet. But he is my dear grandpa, and his example has taught me so much about living a simple life and staying focused on what is really important-faith, family, and farming. You see, ever since I could remember, visiting grandpa always meant heading out to the farm. He was a farmer and sure knew how to entertain his grandkids. From fishing in the pond, to seeing the animals, to rides in the cherry picker, to four-wheeling around the farm…we were always guaranteed to have a blast at his house. I could always count on a warm, loving hug from him as well as a handful of jelly beans as I entered his humble home. Those two things were always a constant at grandpas. But above all, he cherished and truly valued his faith. And I am so blessed to have his example in my life of how to live a life for the Lord, putting full trust in his works and timing.  |
| "With" my grandpa on Thanksgiving |
On Friday, on the
feast of St. Anthony of
Padua, my beloved grandpa will be laid to rest and will ride his big, red tractor up to Heaven. Although I am definitely sad that I can't be at home with my family, I'm happy to have spent time with him before coming here, and I even got the chance to talk to him several times throughout this year. It is also comforting to know that he will be reunited with and happily greeted at the Gates of Heaven by my sweet grandma. I can only pray that this newest angel in Heaven will watch over me, all his other grandchildren, and children and help us to live a life led by his example. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
