the paper boy

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It all happened so quickly. One minute he was walking outside on an early December morn to get the early morning paper and the next morning he went out under his feet, with no time to react. This elderly gentleman was frail and thin, yet strong. He had been through so much. From diabetes to congestive heart failure, he didn't allow anything to phase him. He took care of his darling wife with no complaints and enjoyed cooking up a storm in his kitchen and then giving away his yummy cookies to his grand-kids. They never said no even though they were *supposed* to be on a diet.

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But then, it was all gone in a flash. In fact, he didn't even have time to say goodbye. You'd think if a frail elderly man was already suffering from health problems that these problems would take his life eventually, but God had unexpected plans. This paper boy from the past simply went out to get the paper for the last time. In an instant he slipped on the ice, and fell into a deep sleep. In fact, his very first step outside of the garage sent him flying. God decided it was his time to go. Like a sleeping beauty of sorts, he would never wake up.

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The grandma married to this elderly man is now surrounded by those she loves, but still is unsure of what to do with herself. Her daily schedule and the man she knew and loves, is suddenly gone. Like a shooting star, she didn't even have time to react. A new year is supposed to be a year of beginnings, but for her, it is a time to say goodbye. When she woke up on December 31st she had no idea that it would be the last time she would wake up next to her husband of forty plus years. She had no idea that it would be the last time she would hold his hand or walk by him as he tried to complete what would be his last puzzle. The daily tasks, glances, and kisses would be no more. December 31st quickly became January 1st and her love slipped into a coma and then 4 days later, on the 4th of January, went to be with his Lord and Savior. Life as she knew it would never be the same again. She forces a smile and takes comfort in her sons, grandchildren, and the belief and knowledge that she knows her husband is in the comforting arms of her God.

This elderly man and grandma that I speak of are my grandparents. My step-grandpa passed away a few days ago and I still can't believe that everything happened so quickly. However, I know that he's with God and someday I'll be able to give him a big hug and say hi once more. :)

You never know when a life will end Ocean Dreamers. So hold your loved ones close and don't ever take them for granted. In a flash a life can be over and you don't want that life to end without having had the chance to give them one last kiss, hug, or "I love you's".

I believe that life continues in heaven if you've 

accepted Jesus as your Savior...

but while on earth it's SO important in my belief to cherish it!

Cherish LIFE Every. Single. Day.