I missed his funeral but we will meet again
The last time I was in the same room with my grandpa was nearly 5 years ago.
Plane rides are not particularly convenient for 90-year-olds or those reliant upon a wheelchair, so the fact that he lived in Florida meant that our communication was limited to email or FaceTime for the past few years.
I should have been at his funeral this week. In fact, for the last few years I continued holding out hope that I would have the opportunity to see him in person again.
I was hoping to hear him enter a room with his trademark greeting of “Ho, ho, ho!” one last time, to enjoy one last bottle of his favorite Cream Sherry together, and to hear a final version of his ever-shifting story of how he swept my grandma off her feet nearly 70 years ago.
But rather than seeing my grandpa off, I was stuck states away trying to make sense of the culprit that has been indiscriminately snatching people from Earth at a 100% clip since time began: death.
John Reagan spent 92 years on this earth. Married for 68 years. 4 children. 7 grandchildren. Born just before the Great Depression. Took full credit for the Japanese surrendering in World War II (due to fear from his enlisting as a teenager of course), and returned home after the Korean War to start building a multigenerational family.
I always enjoyed learning from him about World War II and the stock market, and getting to witness his example of humility and generosity. His embellished stories always made for a good laugh.
We know death is unavoidable, yet we still mourn those that are lost. This month I have been mulling over how people approach death differently.
The biggest difference I’ve noticed is between those who have a strong belief in what is to come after death and those without much of any conviction regarding their eternal state.
Of course, this is not unique to our current climate. Just a few thousand years ago, the people of Thessalonica were implored by the apostle Paul, “We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Those who have lost loved ones that had faith in Jesus are reminded that death is in fact not the story’s conclusion. Everyone else may understand it to be the end, may believe that disappointment and tears should reign.
But not so for those whose hope is in a better world still to come.
What’s the difference? Precious plans not coming to fruition are not going to completely shake someone who’s ultimate hope is in something much deeper and more lasting than simply settling for comfort on this earth.
Being able to be content with my future plans not turning out exactly how I envisioned is a learning process. However, being able to truly live with hands held loosely to my grandiose plans has been a game changer.
Paul goes on to explain how God will gather to himself those who have died with faith in Jesus.
Death will forever be defeated.
How do those without this type of hope process death? I have never understood it.
I am currently reading John Ortberg’s book, When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box. I read this a few years ago but in light of being reminded clearly of my mortality, it would be wise to take inventory of how my days are being spent.
This thought-provoking perspective uses games as a metaphor to help us both recognize and play for that which is permanent rather than that which is fleeting. A playbook for honing in on the object of the game of life and striving for the right trophies.
I want to strive for winning the “prizes” and “trophies” that last and want to do everything I can to be reminded of that goal.
Death yields a weighty hand to deliver a sobering reality but is a necessary and helpful one to spur us on towards something greater.
I’m thankful that I was able to enjoy over 30 years with my grandpa. More than that though, I am grateful that death has been defeated and for the hope that a perfect future offers, making any hardship of the present pale in comparison. I am thankful for the hope and expectation to be reunited with my grandpa once again.
Plus, I look forward to asserting my wrestling dominance once again.
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Thank you for opening your life to us. Your journey never ceases to inspire!
Thanks for sharing your wrestling with the eternal perspective Ryan! Your grandpa sounded like the man!
Seeing life as a continuum that goes on into eternity changed everything for me over the last few years.
Simply perfect tribute to your grandfather. Pop Pop loved you beyond measure Ryan and was incredibly proud of your faith, intellect, courage, work ethic, and hope. We will join him again soon.
So sorry to hear of your grandpa’s passing. How sad that our earthly lives have to end but thank God we have eternal life because of Jesus!!
I was delighted to see your wonderful pictures. What a cute baby you were.
I forwarded your blog to Ambie, Trip’s daughter because she has a young son just beginning his wrestling career and he is really good. I don’t think he started quite so early though. He’s 9 and winning matches right and left. Fun
Let me know if they need some tips from my two-year-old self (in diapers no less!)
I agree with your statement of not understanding how people with out belief process death. I too am so thankful for my faith, especially in times of grief.
Having hope in a bigger story is life-changing!
You have such a great perspective on life and death. I, too, think about those without faith and how much more difficult it is to handle a death. Thanks for sharing your journey and faith! I know you will hang on to those amazing memories with your grandpa!
I’m so sorry to hear of your grandfather’s passing. I grew up 3 houses away from where he and the family lived in Ohio. I always remembered him as a fun, loving, kind, faith filled man whose family meant the world to him. He and your Grandmother always welcomed us kids into their home. He will always remain in your heart.
Thanks for your words. Were his engineering creations as legendary for the neighborhood kids as I’ve heard?
Ryan
Collosians 3 sums up you comments. Since you are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
You are blessed to have such and awesome Grandpa.
Steve Schmidlin
Steve, great reminder about Colossians 3. Thanks for sharing
Ryan, I am so sorry to learn about your grandfather’s passing to life eternal. Loved seeing the pictures of the two of you. Once again you have communicated great insights regarding the most vexing issues facing all of us.
Thanks Bob. I’m sure you have some great pictures wrestling with Robbie!
A beautiful tribute to your grandpa! How wonderful to have shared such a special relationship. Blessings to you and your family as you grieve his passing.
i am so so sorry for your loss. i really enjoyed the pics of you when you were little~ oh how lucky you had a grandpa!!!!!!!!! i love the way you handle life and always feel like i take something away to ground me a little more each time. thank you. i owe ya!
Thanks for reading Claudia
What a beautiful tribute to your Grandpa, Ryan. Clearly a very special man and wonderful role model.
Praying your family is comforted by your faith and many happy memories.
Ryan,
May God grant your grandpa eternal rest and give you the fortitude to bear the loss of your beloved grandpa. I’m glad you have a strong belief in what is to come after death unlike many. Thanks for sharing your beautiful experiences with your grandpa. Your stories are always very inspiring. Keep up the great spirit and stay blessed.
Thank you Ryan. Grandfathers are the best!! Great shared memories.
Ryan, thank you for such a heartfelt tribute to my father. We have experienced 3 deaths over the last 6 months and each one has profoundly changed our lives. Your words, “We will meet again” resonate all too well. We, of course, missed you and Stephanie at the funeral but we will meet again! Many prayers, Aunt Linda
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