The Perfect Gift.

My grandpa's service was Thursday. It wasn't too bad, actually. Until the end when he did the ship analogy which the pastor did at Jovi's service, too. I don't think any of us had dry eyes realizing Jovi was there... She was there as he walked into Heaven and she welcomed him! It brought it all home. It's been quite interesting that the last two weeks my devotionals have been all about Heaven. I loved it... I know Heaven is beautiful and so amazing. Way better than our minds can even comprehend... And Jovi is there. Experiencing Jesus first hand... It's incredible, really. Sometimes, I remind myself thinking she really is lucky. Lucky to be there. It's just so much harder to realize that when she didn't live a long life here on earth. It's just so hard to realize when she wasn't suffering. She was just here... alive. Smiling. Happy. Then, just gone. In an instant. But, she is blessed, really. She doesn't have to experience suffering or heartache or devestating news or tragic circumstances. Sometimes remembering her life is better there than it ever would have been here, does make it a little bit easier. Even though sometimes remembering that is quite hard seeing as I think she had a pretty good life with us while she was here.

Gpa's funeral brought lots of family from out of town. One of which my Aunt Becky. She's been working on the "Jovi Quilt". And the quilt has finally arrived. It's beautiful... in fact, words can't even describe how amazing it is. It's made of all her clothes, blankets, toys, etc. A sweet pair of shoes are sewed onto it... it was little pockets of her jeans... and in the pockets she sewed little like stuffed animals out of her clothes. It's priceless. I LOVE seeing it in our house. All of her stuff out on display. I, especially, love snuggling up with it and remembering every little outfit. She did such an amazing job. Even a little rattle from her little snuggle bear is sewn into the quilt. It's better than anything I could have imagined and means more to me than I could ever say. I find myself just staring... and touching it. It's another piece of her we get to enjoy here and another piece that shows she lived.

Jovi girl- I miss you more than I could say. I wish I was stressing over cake pops and tutu's for your upcoming birthday party. I wish you were here to meet all the family members (especially those who never got to snuggle you). I just miss you. Life will never be complete until we are all together again. What are you doing right now? How I'd love to just get a glimpse of you these days... I know you'd be a big girl and so cute. I love you, sunshine. to Heaven and back.



The Jovi quilt- a picture doesn't do it justice

Ship analogy that showed up in my book after the pastor said it at Jovi's funeral.

"Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," fo rthe first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, preapared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice fromt he throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself wil be with them and be their God. 'He will whipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:1-4