Never far

Twenty-two years ago this very day, this grandpa of mine took his last mortal breath and returned back to that God who gave him life.

I woke up this morning wishing to hear his voice tease me, just one more time. I'm so honored to be named after him. He's so good, kind, hilarious, sweet. And people, boy does he love people (which makes me believe he's a huge fan of heaven, because it's a people place after all). He is just all that is right and light and happy and fun and my memories of him always make me smile.

As I was thinking about him this morning, I had an overwhelming assurance that he's never been far. I've known that over and over, but sometimes God just loves us so much, that He tells us what we already know again. Because He knows it will bring us comfort.

And then I thought of my boy. The one named after his Grandpa Campbell. And the one that will be married in nine days. The toddler that was less than two when his name hero went to heaven, making it pretty much impossible to have learned from this tremendous grandpa he can't even remember. But my boy. My oldest. He has his grandpa's heart. His goodness. His hilarity. His gentleness. And his love of people. And on the days when I miss my grandpa the most, I call my son. Because it makes me feel like our name hero isn't so far away.

And he isn't. Nor will he be. Especially in just over a week. When I sit in the temple with my darling boy and his beautiful fiancé, while my Dad performs the ordinance to seal them for not only this life, but the next. Those I love, who are no longer physically on earth, will be there. And that isn't wishful thinking. It's a fact. Because heaven is real. And God loves His children. And being a family doesn't end with mortal death.

And neither does loving people. And my grandpa wouldn't miss his grandson's temple sealing for anything. Because my word, does he love that particular boy.

I'm so thankful, on this day that would normally hold sadness and missing, God reminded me that death never has the final word. Not. Ever. But our Savior does. And always will. I'm so thankful to know that.

Goodness, what a beautiful reminder on this rainy summer afternoon.