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Family

           I've been thinking a lot lately about my family, especially the last couple of days. I've reconnected with an uncle of mine who's in Afghanistan, reconnected with my family in Chuuk, and had a few conversations and emails with my bestie Ribka also about family.
           Recently, I heard news of a friend's grandpa whom I know and saw briefly the last time I was home cause he was sick and didn't spend as much time on the front patio of his house that I've been accustomed to seeing every time I go over for a visit. I'll admit, I don't know him personally but I do know him as Grandpa. All the stories I've heard about him are nothing short of that of a man who has showed deep and unconditional love for his family. I was no stranger to this treatment myself. Even when I visited while my friend was not there, I would greet him as Grandpa, that's who he was. And he would be there sitting on his chair, with his cigarette and telling stories with his children, grandchildren, and others like me who visit his home and offering whatever it is that he had at the moment. I cannot personally attest to anything personal directly from the man, but I can attest to knowing his children and grandchildren's kindness and love for friends and family alike and I know immediately where they got it from. They learned it from this patriarch, not through just mere words, but by his strong and silent character that even in his quiet moments, you still sense the love of a family when you're around him. And this I can attest to. I always felt welcomed whenever I am near this man and his family. My friendship alone and what has become a familial relation that we've built through my bestie and I lets me know that he was a great man, raised good children who in turn raised good kids. He was around and spent time with his grandchildren and judging from my bestie's description and stories, they all have fond memories of this great man that will be dearly missed by many.
           This incident reminded me of my own Grandpa or as we called him, Bapa Taro.  I have some very fond memories of him of the 2 years that I actually do remember. I was only 6 years old when he passed away but I still remember his yellow Datsun pick-up truck pulling in at the side of the road by my Kindergarten class and how I would immediately get excited that I was getting fried chicken and hard-boiled eggs for lunch with him. I still miss him, especially when I spend time with my Grandma who is now bedridden at 86 years old.
          This news of my friend's grandpa made me think of my own family and how thankful I am, that like my friend, we mourn of the great losses in our lives, but we still remember the memories we made with them and thank God each day for having had the time to spend with each other.  And we should always remember as Christians, that we will reunite again one day.  My friend and I were both brought up in Christian homes and believe in God's unconditional love.  I pray for her and her family at this time of grief, but I also celebrate with them the memories and the life that her grandfather had.

Psalm 103:8-17

8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
      slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
 9 He will not constantly accuse us,
      nor remain angry forever.
 10 He does not punish us for all our sins;
      he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
      is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
 12 He has removed our sins as far from us
      as the east is from the west.
 13 The Lord is like a father to his children,
      tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
 14 For he knows how weak we are;
      he remembers we are only dust.
 15 Our days on earth are like grass;
      like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
 16 The wind blows, and we are gone—
      as though we had never been here.
 17 But the love of the Lord remains forever
      with those who fear him.
   His salvation extends to the children’s children

REST IN PEACE GRANDPA YANGILMAU
YOU'LL BE MISSED BUT YOUR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON.   
My bestie Ribka and I - Love you buddy!

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