I'm still counting my blessings....

Recently, I was blessed to spend time with my sweet three-week-old granddaughter while her mom and dad went to the movies. She is such a doll, with eyes full of wonder and innocence. As I gazed into them, a tender ache filled my heart—I thought, “He should be here.” He should be here with me, sharing these tiny, precious moments as grandparents to enjoy this sweet blessing to our family.

December 19 will mark five months since Ricky was promoted by God. I cannot say that it’s getting easier. Some days, the heartbreak is heavy, a weight that settles deep within me. Yet even in the sorrow, I find comfort knowing he lived a good life, a God-fearing life, and was the best husband and father he could possibly be. I am counting my blessings that Ricky had the time to know and love our first grandson, memories that will forever be treasured in our hearts. His love, faith, and devotion leave footprints that time cannot erase.

And as I was creating this picture collage, I prayed and asked him to send me a sign that he was near. His favorite color was red, and he sent me this picture to use—I know he’s near. I know he’s waiting for me on the other side, but for now, I will continue to count my blessings.

I am reminded daily of God’s goodness, quietly present in the smallest details of life. As the song by Seth Shluether says, “God, I’m still counting my blessings, all You’ve done in my life. The more I look into the details, the more of Your goodness I find.” Today, as always, I am grateful—for the memories of Ricky, for the joy of my granddaughter, for the love he shared with our grandson, for the gentle, enduring presence of God, and for these quiet reminders that he is near.