In the twinkle of an eye...

IN THE TWINKLE OF AN EYE....

My dad told my mom this several times over the past few weeks.  He knew he was dying but also realized just how fast time goes by.  So he'd say I'll see you IN THE TWINKLE OF AN EYE.  I'm still in awe of his courage and strength during his life, not just the last month I spent with him.  I don't know many people that would know what was happening to their body and still be positive, happy, and continuing to take care of the ones they love.  I loved to see dad tell mom that.  She was so strong and would wait to cry til she was in the back room.  Dad didn't want us crying around because he wanted us to live today.  We have today and he didn't want us to waste it, "crying around"!  So I'm telling all of this to lead to this...

Today I was crying in the car, Trevin and Gentry were with me, when Trevin asks me,"Why are you crying momma?".  All I could say was,"I miss Papa!".  And without any hesitation he says,"Momma don't worry, it won't be long til you see him again.".  I just had to smile.  I was speechless for a moment...if you know me that's unusual!  So then I just told him how much I love him and how much Papa loves him.  His response of, "I know momma" was just what I needed to hear.  I thought how does he know so much?  He's only 4 years old.  Then I began to think about a lot of my conversations with my dad over the last month.  I couldn't help but remember dad telling me not to stifle Trevin with dismissing his intuition!  Dad said Trevin could really see how things are and he reminded me to just listen to him.  He said don't try to change him, just embrace him.  He told me to embrace all my boys for who they are not what I want or think they should be.  Wow the lessons just keep on coming!

Now I should also add this little story.  The Monday I went to check on dad before I really realized what was happening, Trevin had some interesting things to say.  I usually call mom and dad in the morning after I drop off the big boys for school but for some reason I didn't call.  I just began driving.  I just felt like seeing my mom & dad, little did I know why at the time.  Well on the drive Trevin began asking me where we were going, because we usually go back home.  He was still in his pjs but I didn't care.  So I was explaining that we were going to see Papa & Oma and that I just wanted to check on Papa.  I was telling him that Papa hadn't been feeling great, as if he didn't know.  He made me stop and think with his response.  I'm still in awe of my sweet red headed Trevin!  He said,"Momma the devil has been kicking Papa all night and he's ready to go see Jesus!".  Now if that doesn't stop you in your tracks I don't know what will.  I asked him what he meant and he just kept saying the devil was kicking Papa all night long.  I told Gary later that night and we both were just thinking wow!  After I'd been at mom & dad's for a week or so, I told my dad what Trevin had said.  That's when dad began telling me other things he'd told him about little things like that and to never stifle him.

So not only did my dad realize how short and sweet life is and how fast it goes by here on earth but he has passed that on to Trevin.  What an awesome legacy to leave....IN THE TWINKLE OF AN EYE!  So make today count and enjoy.

Trinity