I was woken up in the middle of the night with a call that my dear Grandpa Ross had passed away suddenly. I saw him only three weeks ago when we were visiting in Canada…all the more thankful of our time there. He was taken peacefully. Closed his eyes and the next time he opened them, he was with Jesus.

The last time I saw him was when Josh and I spoke at his “Young at Heart” group about our time in Burundi. As grandpa was weak and sickly, he stood clutching the pulpit and continued to lead as the strong pastor that he was. I remember sitting there watching him and being in awe of his strength, the strength he had in the Lord. That is what carried him.

He always spoke of how proud of us he was and his words were always uplifting and full of wisdom. One of the last things he said to me was “I’m going to get my second youth here soon and I’ll be bigger and stronger the next time you see me.” Little did I know at the time, that he was right…but wasn’t talking about his earthly body, he was talking about his heavenly one.

He was not only the man who baptized me and who married Josh and I, but he was one of our biggest cheerleaders and prayer warriors. He was so proud of us in our marriage and what we are doing here and would want us to continue strong. I can just imagine that he is still praying fervently for us, but now he can ask Jesus face to face.

He was a faithful servant right to the end. That’s how I want to live my life. Just like he did. Always encouraging, always challenging, always supportive, always loving, always faithful, always gracious, and always prayerful.

I guess writing to you about my grandpa is my way of finding closure, as I cannot be with my family during this time. Please pray for them. Especially for my grandma, who has been by his side for over 60 years. She is a strong woman but will need your prayers. Please also pray for my dad, auntie Debbie, auntie Linda, and uncle Tim, who lost their beloved dad.

I’m going to miss his big hugs, his wisdom, his encouragement, his uplifting messages, his prayers, and his grandpa jokes.

I love you grandpa. We’re going to keep plugging away here and we’ll see you again one day. I hope to finish as strong as you.

Nadine.