Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep…

I apologize for the lack of a Fitness Friday today. This week obviously hasn’t lent a whole lot of time for fitness or workout routines. Regular workouts will resume tomorrow.

I was asked to speak at my grandfather’s funeral. About a year ago, he asked me to read a poem, the same one I also read at my grandmother’s funeral. I knew I had more to share than just the few lines of a poem. My heart was full, it just wouldn’t overflow onto paper. I couldn’t figure out what to say or how to say it, but I knew I wanted to get one message across – time, family, memories – cherish all three. Finally, about 15 minutes before the funeral, a few things came to me. It was after the funeral that my mind truly came alive with stories, jokes, funny times together….as I remember stories, I’m going to write them down so I can keep them with me. Next time I feel sad or start to miss him, I’ll pull them out and have a good laugh. The following is a synopsis of what I shared with those who came to celebrate my grandfather’s life with us:

“Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about those who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it.”

92 years may seem like a long time to a lot of you, but in this life – and to all of those who loved my grandfather, it was way too short. If there’s anything I can impress upon you today, it’s to LOVE those who you have here on this earth with you now. Spend the moments you’ve been blessed with and enjoy them. Make those precious memories today…for when they are gone, memories are all you have left.

My grandfather always loved the song, Amazing Grace. He absolutely LOVED when it was played by our church orchestra with the steel guitar. He once said that he would love it if he could hear someone sing Amazing Grace in French. The song you will hear in a few moments is indeed Amazing Grace in French and was played for him during his final moments. His passing was a very peaceful one as he was was surrounded by  loving family when he took his final breath.

I’m sure going to miss my grandpa. He was a wonderful man. He had an infectious smile, he loved to laugh and tell jokes, and he often told us, “I’m 92 years old, I can say whatever I want!” (and boy did he ever)! I know he’s now reunited with my grandmother, truly happy and at home – no pain, no sorrow, no suffering. I can look back on the memories we have together and smile, those memories will remain in my heart forever.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
Gwen Tupper

Now I lay me down to sleep,
My body at rest my soul at peace.

When you wake and find me gone,
Please take care - I've made it home.

My mom and dad have gone on to be with the Lord, you see,
Now we're together - They've been waiting for me.

What a joyous reunion with family and friends,
Laughter and Love, a new life to begin.

I know you'll miss me, hold tight and be strong,
We shall all see each other again and it won't be long.

I've come to the Lord and now I truly understand,
That what has happened to me was in the Master's Plan.

Save your tears, I hurt no more,
I'm with the Lord on Heaven's Shores.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
My body at rest,
My soul at peace ...

Rest In Peace, My Sweet Grandpa

I knew this day would eventually arrive, but I sure didn’t think it would come so soon. On Monday afternoon, my grandfather took his last breath and passed from this earth to his heavenly home.

Sunday was a hard day for me as I saw the signs - I knew it was coming soon. I didn’t sleep well at all on Sunday night and prayed that I would have just one more chance to speak with him to tell him how much I loved him. My prayer was granted and Monday morning, my dad and I were able to speak with my grandfather. We talked about eternity and in the midst of our tears, my grandfather cracked jokes and made us laugh. He saw our tears and asked if we knew something he didn’t. He wanted to know if the Doctors were telling us something they weren’t telling him. I didn’t need a Doctor to tell me what I was seeing, all the signs were there. He then informed us, “I’m not giving up, y’all don’t have to worry”. Sweet man. Despite his body shutting down, his mind was still there, even at the very end.

Throughout the morning on Monday, his breathing became labored and his speech grew slurred. Around 2 p.m., the aide and I turned him. I was holding his hand and as he opened his eyes to look up at me, he asked for the time. I told him that it was 2 o’clock and he asked why I wasn’t at work. I responded that it’s because I was with him! He brought my hand to his lips, he kissed my hand, then told me that I was his angel. I told him I loved him and that was the last time I heard him say he loved me too. 

As his respirations continued to decrease, my entire family remained by his side. I found the Cajun French version of Amazing Grace on my phone and played the 3 minute song all the way through. We were holding his hands as he took his final breath.

As we prepare for his funeral today, I’m not ready – I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. I know I was blessed to have my grandfather around for so much of my life and I will cherish the wonderful memories we shared together.

Ogden Abshire, 92, was called to his Heavenly home surrounded by his loving family at 4:30 PM on Monday, July 1, 2013.

Mr. Abshire was born on July 8, 1920. He worked as a diesel mechanic for 32 years. Mr. Abshire attended Glad Tidings Church and St. Theodore Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Abshire played the guitar with Papa Joe Cairo and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Abshire was preceded in death by his wife and 1 son. He leaves behind 3 children, 11 grand children, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

“I thank my God in all my remembrances of you.” Philippians 1:3