New Year's Eve and Looking Back

More yummy goodies that my sisters made!
We're home again, and I miss the companionship of my siblings. We had a great Christmas visit together.

I was flipping through some old journals, and I came across the following entry. I used to have a tradition of writing in my journal on New Year's Eve. Here's a peek at the past:

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January 2, 1999

I'm sitting here on Mom's bed folding clothes (kinda) and writing (mainly). Before me I have my journals of the past 2 years. Each New Year's Eve I recorded memories, goals, reflections, or something like that. But this time I goofed! Thursday evening, New Year's Eve, I completely forgot to get out my journal and write. Oh well. Here I am, 2 days later. New Year's Eve, by the way, we were all here at home. Gary and Grandpa Tice came, and Grandpa left Gary [to visit] while he went to his annual New Year's Eve party-they both stayed the night. Anyway, after Grandpa left we spent the evening visiting with Gary. He, Dad, and the boys started a bonfire outside (a big hit!).

What does this new year hold? I'm excited to find out!
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future in His hands."
My goal this year-as always, for as long as I live-is to know God. I've come to learn this is the most important thing.

Just to be funny...

What I know will NOT happen this year! :

-I will not get married
-I will not got to Venezuela or India or Guatemala or-
-I will not publish a book
-I will not eat a block of plain tofu
-I will not get another pair of red glasses
-I will not slit a chicken's throat at the DiGennaro farm
-I will not give a speech in front of a thousand people

Things I think MIGHT happen this year:

-I will turn 17 (hey, if I die it won't happen)
-We finish the summer kitchen in the shed
-One of the Eldredge boys gets married
-I attend a VOM conference
-I actually get some sewing done (if our machine works...)
-I make a quilt
-I can at least 40 quarts
-I grow a decent garden bed (no cornstalks)

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The really funny thing is, one speculation in particular came true-an Eldredge boy DID get married....to me!

January has always been a month of reflection for me. I think it's good to evaluate where one is and make goals for the future. A "new year's resolution" isn't any good if it's made on a whim and short-lived. A man's treasure is where his heart is. Where is your heart? What do you hope and pray for in the new year? What changes do you want to make? Any bad habits that need to go? What are your goals? These are the questions I am asking myself.

God bless you this New Year!

Grandpa Tice Through the Years

Remembering Grandpa

In preparation for Grandpa's visitations and memorial/funeral services, all of us (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) have been compiling photos, letters, music, anything to be shared in memory of Grandpa or in honor of his life. My house has been filled with music as my sisters have been playing and recording pieces for the memorial dvd.

I found a letter I wrote to my Grandparents on their 50th anniversary. They have been married 56 years. I hope and pray Tom and I have at least that long together!

I have been so blessed by all the words of comfort and practical service I and my family have received these last few days. Thank you!
My good friend Candace shares her thoughts here.


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July 2002

Dear Grandpa and Grandma,

I am especially grateful for the voices of encouragement you have both been in my life. You are always faithful to encourage and challenge my skills- in reading, writing, sewing and crafts, baking, and whatever developing interests I had as a young person. You encouraged my creativity, and inspired me to keep doing better! I often reflect on how much I appreciated your attentiveness. And still do!

As I look back on special memories made with you, our summer 1999 trip to the west coast stands out. I loved spending time with you as my grandparents, exploring country I had never seen before, and absorbing new experiences. Thank you again for taking the time to invest in my life!

Other enjoyable memories would include family gatherings in Strafford, playing games together, making family “videos”, camping excursions, trips to Silver Dollar City…I’m so thankful for the happy memories!

I’m honored to be your granddaughter, and proud of the 50 years you’ve spent together!
As you pass on a lifetime of memories and wisdom to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, I pray you’ll be richly blessed. May you reap the rewards of a family that loves you very much!

I love you,
Rachel


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Thoughts

I loved being on the road with my Grandparents, just the three of us. Grandpa was adventuresome and always willing to explore with me as much as possible. He introduced me to new cultures and experiences that fed my love of travel.

Grandpa was generous. He encouraged my creativity by paying for all my film expenses during our '99 trip! Afterwards, I put together a scrapbook album of our time together for him and Grandma.

Grandpa's love of literature inspired me, too. We browsed use bookstores and spent hours at places like, "The Tattered Cover".

Grandpa had a hearty appreciation for homemade breads! I am a baker and loved to "test" my yeast breads on Grandpa. Of course, he always approved!

Grandpa welcomed and enjoyed each new addition to the family. He would remark how each baby was precious and beautiful. He loved holding his grand and great-grandchildren!

When I think of Grandpa, I remember him smiling and laughing. His famous dimples and laughing eyes lit up his face. He wasn't solemn and reserved-he was right there with us, living in the moment.

There is Living, and There is Dying

Early this morning, my Mom called me. She never calls this early in the morning-we're not early risers, usually! I knew something had to be wrong.

"Mom, are my Grandparents ok?"

I have six living Grandparents, including Tom's Grandparents, whom I love deeply and have always had a good relationship with.

Through tears my Mom explained that her dad, my Grandpa Jim Tice, had died suddenly in the night while being transported from one hospital to the next.

Can you feel the silence? When news like that comes it seems to me the earth pauses a moment while I try to take it in.

My Grandpa had pancreaitis and was recently in the ICU. Over Thanksgiving, I was able to see him. Heavily sedated, it was hard to know how much he recognized my presence.

Mara and I talked to him and told him what was going on in our lives. He was always a good listener. We held his hand and gave little massages. He could give the best back rubs! He looked just the same, even with all the tubes and lines running in and out of his body, only reclined and appearing to be asleep at times. He didn't look deathly ill.

I think we all expected he'd pull through this and laugh about it in the year ahead. We'd say, "Grandpa, do you remember when Mara and I sang to you? We sounded awful." Then he'd laugh that big belly laugh of his and shine his famous dimples. Grandpa had a lovely voice. He sang at my wedding.

Instead, I'm dealing with the reality that my beloved Grandpa is gone. No more intense games of Pente at Thanksgiving. Boy, he could sure play a mean game of Pente! I always rubbed it in when I beat him, for once.

He lived a full and happy life. He has 7 children and too many grandchildren and great-grandchildren for me to keep track of. None of us doubted how much he loved us.

We miss and love you, Grandpa. Already there is a void.

Grandpa is dead to this earthly life...but he's alive to a Heavenly one, and that's another kind of Living-the best kind.