Treasures

From 2011

Emily and I spent Saturday night making a treasure chest cake for Tim's Opa's (Grandpa) 85th birthday party. It was filled with pictures of his sweet wife that passed away a few years back along with gold coins with the names of all of his children, great children, and great-grandchildren.

We have gotten to know Opa very well over the last few years. He has lived with Tim's parents and comes to Tim and Emilys house often. When Steve finished Tim's Mom's basement Opa would sit and watch him while he worked. He would ask him questions and Steve loved having his company.

We were invited to his party and it packed with all of the many people who loved him. He has been getting sicker lately but did great at his party. He even sang happy birthday with us and said that he hoped we could do it again next year.

Sadly this morning (his actual 85th birthday)Opa collapsed and was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He passed away surrounded by his family. He lived a wonderful 85 years, and that must have been enough for him. he was ready.

I am a strong believer that to some extent we choose when we are ready to go. I think that people live for certain events, or to say goodbye to certain people, and they know when their time on earth is through.

While some people die tragically when it is not their time, others realize that they have lived a treasured life and that it is time to go and see those whom they miss that are on the other side.

Opa spent his live surrounded by those that he treasured most. He had a wonderful wife, amazing children, and many offspring who adored him.

Yesterday he had an amazing party surrounded by those that love him here on earth and today he will spend with his wife and son that went before him at an even bigger party.

His cake summed his life up perfectly, and while he will be missed he left behind many memories and many treasures. A perfectly fitting ending to a rich life.

From 2011