Bride-to-be Blogger Kristy: Reflecting on Family We’ve Lost


Kristy, furthest left, her sisters and cousins (and bridesmaids!) with their Pop-Pop.

When I emailed Carrie with my blog post last week, I promised her that this week would be filled with wedding-planning information for other brides-to-be. Sure, wedding planning has been high on my list since the date has been set, but family and memories are always above them. That’s especially true this week, because my Pop-Pop passed away. And this week, all I can think of is that life is full of hiccups. So instead of talking about how I’ve found my band or my photographer, I’m bragging about my Pop-Pop.

Last night we sat around, reminiscing—telling stories of him and looking at pictures—and I can’t help but be amazed of his devotion and love. He was the spoiler grandfather—the one who would do just about anything to make you happy, including even putting a pool in his backyard so his grandkids could have a place to go swimming all summer long. It made my cousins and I as close as sisters and brothers, and left memories I will never forget. He set a remarkable example through his faith by helping to establish and build a neighborhood church from the ground up. He was an oddly creative one too, always finding a way to rig the umbrella to block the sun or fix the handle on the wagon to cart around pool supplies. He is the reason I like Frank Sinatra, I’m a good swimmer, I love peanut butter, and always try to treat people with care.

It’s amazing what you learn from family. It can be as simple as the lyrics to a song or the most respectable values of your character. So, after the crying and the mourning and accepting that on my wedding day I physically won’t see his smile or feel a kiss from him, I’m happy and satisfied in the life he lived and in the wisdom he passed down to my family and me.

Wedding planning is just a part of life right now, so we should be prepared for hiccups and speed bumps on the way. We should just remember that everything will eventually work itself out, and even help us learn something in the long run.

Has anyone else had to deal with the passing of a beloved family member during wedding planning?

RELATED: Bride-to-be Blogger Kristy: Remembering My Mother-in-Law at Our Wedding

 

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