The last few days... They haven't been easy. 

Pop, my husband's grandfather, was one of those people you just end up loving. From the first time I ate Sunday dinner at Pop and Gram's, I was welcomed. He always got out the drinks--every kind of soda, and he always got everyone's favorites--and did the dishes. You could not help even if you tried. That's just how and who he was; he gave daily gifts of service. 

When I lost my weird and wonderful Papa last year, well, I wasn't surprised. We had almost lost him is many times that we were shocked, but ready to say goodbye and so glad that he passed from this life peacefully, at home, in his sleep. 

This weekend, though...we weren't ready. And we were here, not there, so I lit a candle in a jar (washed out with the label removed; both Pop and Papa would be pleased with the practicality and thrift) and thought about the ones who have gone before us, and I realize that I very much believe in heaven and that they are at peace. 

And so we will go forward from here, remembering...