I slip into the kitchen and he’s already at the table–coffee in one hand and Wall Street Journal in the other. Beside him is the Bible he’s just finished reading. I take a seat and my Grandpa greets me with, “Good morning, H.E.!” That’s short for Holley Ellen–my first and middle name. I’m named after my Grandpa so it makes things simpler and it always makes him grin when he says it.
We talk about many things but it always seems to circle back to words. He owns a bookstore, after all. And most nights when I stay at his house I’m up way too late devouring as many books as I can before I head home again.
My Grandpa taught me words can touch hearts.
He showed me words can change the world.
He believed that one day I would add my own words to the shelves in his shop.
He finally retired at age 85 and so my books didn’t quite make it there in time but just knowing he thought they could pushed me forward. And his prayers–so many prayers for me through the years–did too.
Jesus opened the door to heaven for him a few months ago and he got to step through to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
And this week I opened an email that told me my book You’re Already Amazing stepped onto the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. The paper my Grandpa read every morning. And the first thing I thought of was him smiling.
Hebrews says we’re surrounded by “a great cloud of witnesses” and I don’t understand all the mystery contained in that phrase. But I believe part of it means my Grandpa is still cheering me on and his prayers are still echoing through eternity and reaching God’s ears on my behalf. So are the people who loved you well and made it Home before you.
I once wrote, “The light of a distant star continues to reach the earth long after the star itself is gone. In the same way, the light and love our loved ones gave continue to reach our hearts even when their lives on earth are done.” And it’s never felt more true.
Thanks, Poppi, for all that encouragement and all those prayers.
And thanks to all of you for the same. Without you, You’re Already Amazing would never be on that list.
Life is all about love and any achievement is meaningless without all the hands and hearts who helped us get there.
We made the Wall Street Bestseller list this week–you, me, Poppi, Jesus!
Let’s celebrate.
XOXO
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