while i suppose not everyone feels the way we do, without question we believe family to be one of life's ultimate gifts. earlier this week a very unexpected letter arrived in our mailbox that literally brought me to my knees. with 2 wide-eyed onlookers tears rolls down my cheeks as i read the letter. i proceeded to explain to kate and trey that an amazing gift had just arrived and that they were actually tears of joy. the gift was simply the letter - the kind deed that someone had passed on. another reminder of what an incredible family we have!
before you read the following you should know that my grandfather passed on last november and being Croatian our family affectionately referred to our grandparents as Mika and Cha.
Hey Kids,
Your mother and I are having a grand time up here in heaven. She was waiting for me as I hoped she would be, after I passed St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. She apologized for leaving so abruptly that day she laid down and took her final nap. She assured me that is was nothing personal. God gave her a choice of quick and quiet peace or fighting with the weak heart she had been given. You know mother – she chose the peace.
I’m glad I can finally express some of the things I was thinking those last 10 years after the stroke. First of all, thank you for all the love and attention you showered on me when I was feeling pretty worthless. I saw that you loved me just for being “Paul”, not because I was strong, or smart, or I could do things for you. Thanks, too, for loving me through my cranky moods. There were times that the medicine tossed my emotions around like salad in a blender-I know it wasn’t pretty. Thanks for the may miles you put on your cars and the stress you put on yourselves just to sit and visit for 30 minutes. Mother tells me that those were indeed her proudest moments.
It’s really nice to be on this side of life and enjoy all of your events from afar. Jessie’s wedding was a big day for mother and me. You know how mother felt about Jessie, and she was in all her glory when she saw how simply and honestly and personally Jessie and TJ celebrated their big day. Seeing the love as you all came together with your kids and grandkids was the greatest gift we have ever received. Mother commented that her greatest wish was granted – a loving family.
I thank you all for the wonderful send-off you gave me-both in Centerville (the 21 gun salute knocked my crocs off), the procession back home, and the final mass at St. Mary’s. When they tucked me in next to your Mother, your Mika, I knew I was home. She thanks Nancy for correcting the birthdates at St. Mary’s. I’m sending along a little cash that I don’t need any longer. I hope you use it for something you’ve been putting off. Your mother/Mika wants you to know that she hears all your prayers and worries. She hopes you’re listening when she answers.
See’ya mein stade,
Cha
Your mother and I are having a grand time up here in heaven. She was waiting for me as I hoped she would be, after I passed St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. She apologized for leaving so abruptly that day she laid down and took her final nap. She assured me that is was nothing personal. God gave her a choice of quick and quiet peace or fighting with the weak heart she had been given. You know mother – she chose the peace.
I’m glad I can finally express some of the things I was thinking those last 10 years after the stroke. First of all, thank you for all the love and attention you showered on me when I was feeling pretty worthless. I saw that you loved me just for being “Paul”, not because I was strong, or smart, or I could do things for you. Thanks, too, for loving me through my cranky moods. There were times that the medicine tossed my emotions around like salad in a blender-I know it wasn’t pretty. Thanks for the may miles you put on your cars and the stress you put on yourselves just to sit and visit for 30 minutes. Mother tells me that those were indeed her proudest moments.
It’s really nice to be on this side of life and enjoy all of your events from afar. Jessie’s wedding was a big day for mother and me. You know how mother felt about Jessie, and she was in all her glory when she saw how simply and honestly and personally Jessie and TJ celebrated their big day. Seeing the love as you all came together with your kids and grandkids was the greatest gift we have ever received. Mother commented that her greatest wish was granted – a loving family.
I thank you all for the wonderful send-off you gave me-both in Centerville (the 21 gun salute knocked my crocs off), the procession back home, and the final mass at St. Mary’s. When they tucked me in next to your Mother, your Mika, I knew I was home. She thanks Nancy for correcting the birthdates at St. Mary’s. I’m sending along a little cash that I don’t need any longer. I hope you use it for something you’ve been putting off. Your mother/Mika wants you to know that she hears all your prayers and worries. She hopes you’re listening when she answers.
See’ya mein stade,
Cha
As soon as Kate eye caught sight of the enclosed check she insisted we send it to Haiti - and that is just what we did.
Thank you Cha for all of the life lessons you so graciously bestowed upon us.
Thank you for loving us all as individuals.
Thank you for accepting our differences and embracing them.
Forever yours,
Sarah
2 comments:
crying and speechless....what an incredible mika your kids have and what an incredible cha you were blessed with.
Sarah & Family,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful letter. Simply, thank you.
Always, eden
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