This Valentine’s Day took a turn we never expected. The girls and I were babysitting for some sweet (even while teething) little guys this morning when Gabe texted me that his grandpa was in the hospital with pneumonia and it wasn’t looking good. (He’s been in a nursing home for a few weeks now.)

We got home from babysitting, ate lunch, picked up Cherry from school (early dismissal), and headed to Lima. We got there at 3:45, and at 6:05, PoPo took his last breath.

Rock, Gabe’s dad, is convinced he had a Valentine’s Day dinner date with his wife (our beloved Grandma Marilyn) up in heaven that he just couldn’t miss.

Lots of family gathered in those final hours to say good-bye. But Gabe’s brother Tug is in Missouri, and their mom is still in Africa. So hard on them not being here.

So, Gabe’s grandpa died on my grandma’s birthday. Our hearts are sad, but we’re so glad they’re not suffering any more and get to be reunited with the ones they love.

PoPo wanted a memorial service, not a funeral. And he wanted all of his family from near and far to be together, eat together, enjoy each other, and share lots of love. I’m looking forward to that super-special day in a couple weeks.

Would you say a prayer for me and Gabe? We just got home (10:22pm) after a long, emotional day. Gabe is worn out from driving, and I just want to fall in bed. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a procrastinator and always save my prep for speaking events until the day before. Except this day didn’t go as planned, and I was home for about 10 minutes total. Yikes.

We leave at 10:45 a.m. to drive 4 hours and speak to 86 couples at a marriage event.

And I don’t even know where to start.

I know what this means. It’s gonna be all Jesus and no me. My strength is gone. May he get much much much glory. And may Gabe stay awake on the way there and from 10pm-2am on the drive home.

Thanks, friends. xoxoxoxo