Day 8- More Than Just Me: The great-grandparents

The great-grandparents. 

My Grandpa Brunkow passed away when I was about three years old. Any memory I have of him are my mind's desperate ploy to remember him through the stories I was told while growing up.  I wish I had more than just memories.  My grandmother Helen, the matriach, had to keep life going as she dealt with the loss of my grandpa that came way too soon.  Years later, she was able to find love again with my Grandpa Jim.  I was pregnant with Holden when Grandpa Jim passed away.  My unborn son was even acknowledged in his obituary.   I felt sadness for the loss of Grandpa Jim but felt hopeful looking at my belly knowing my son would soon be here.  He even startled me when he jumped in my belly as they let off the gun salute at grandpa's graveside service.  I know that when I lost Holden, my Grandma Brunkow was still healing from her heartbreak.  She, too, had experienced a loss similar to mine and I know she looked back to that time as she held her great-grandson in her arms.  I wish she could have seen his eyes as she always loved brown eyes.  Imagine her joy when I met a boy with the same as my Grandma Brunkow and he had brown eyes ♡  She was sold from day one.

My Grandma Lucille passed away when I was pregnant with Lydon.  I wish she could have seen him and his brother.  My Grandma Lucille knew firsthand what it was like to lose a child.  Some people do not know that I have an aunt in Heaven.  LuAnn was a very girly girl from what I a have been told and she was about the age of my girls when she passed away from leukemia.  My Grandpa Kenny has told me stories about how much sadness her loss brought to my grandma's heart.  When we lost Holden, he kept telling me to remember the beautiful children I have at home and to remember to take care of ourselves.  I know his sadness for Holden was pushed forward with the sadness from the loss of LuAnn.  He knew all too well what we were going through. I even recently learned that my Great-Grandma had experienced the loss of a baby.  

Bill grew up only knowing his mother's dad.  His other grandparents had passed when he was very young.  Knowing his family, I can only imagine how loving they were.   I certainly wish they could have seen our kids.  

I find comfort in knowing that Holden and Ricky were greeted into Heaven with open, loving arms.  I know they are being cared for by my precious family until I can take over.  I know our grandpas are teaching my boys all the things we cannot.  I know Grandma Lucille is rocking my sweet boys while LuAnn reads them stories.  I know they are not alone and have someone to dry their tears when they are sad and someone to share in their laughter when they are happy.  I only wish they were all here for me to see it ♡