Celebration of a Life well Lived

My grandma Rookhuyzen lived a great life. She has suffered many strokes over the last few years, but had one recently that was bad enough that we knew it was her time to leave. Luke, Melissa and I were lucky enough to go visit and spend some time with her on her last Sunday on this earth. She was unable to talk to us and the latest stroke left her paralyzed and damaged her vocal cords, but it was good to be able to say good bye. We told her to look after our baby until it was time to send him to us and just saying that made me lose my composure. We spent a time talking to grandpa as well, and I think he was struggling, but handling things well. Their marriage is one I admire as he never resented caring for her all these years even when she didn't know who he was any more. He always referred to her as my honey or my sweetheart. Even now, after she passed he refers to her as my eternal companion. Luke had only met grandma twice, but noticed the tenderness there as well, and hopes we can be like that as we grow old together. They just celebrated 66 years of marriage in March.

As the week went on, and family arrived-even under the circumstances it was so good to see everyone and catch up and celebrate a life well lived as well. Of the 42 Rookhuyzen grandkids, over 30 of us were there! Not to mention the 20+ great grandkids. It was a huge gathering to say the least. I am grateful for the time we had to have her in our lives and know her, and hope in the after life that relationship will be able to improve and grow even more.