melody of love.

Today is my dad's 58th birthday, though I struggle to believe he could possibly be close to that number. Last year, he celebrated his birthday with a lunch {paid for by my dear 92 year old grandmother} at one of her favorite restaurants in my hometown, the Chocolate Spoon. They had a "lovely lunch" as she described it in her diary, though she did mistakenly quote my dad's age as 47 ;) After lunch, she dropped off my dad at work. {Yes, she still carried a driver's license at 92!} They kissed, they shared their "I love you's", and they said {what would be their last} goodbye.

A year earlier, {cv} and I came in the weekend after my dad's birthday for our first visit since we got engaged in December 2008. Whenever we came to Indiana, there was always a fun visit with my grandmother. Sometimes, we shared ice cream and {cv} would get cornered with questions. Other times, we'd share grape soda. One time in particular, she got us to sing this song...please pardon the singing, but it should hopefully at least bring you a laugh {especially around the part when my mom makes a wisecrack about the second verse}:



Isn't she a riot? I am so happy to have this video--though I'm a little relieved it didn't make a showing at our wedding ;) we did, however, have "Melody of Love" played during our cocktail hour.

So, why am I showing you this video? Well, my dear grandmother passed away the day after my dad's birthday last year--and I wanted to give my dad a smile today. She passed peacefully at home and surely walked straight into the Lord's arms.


Taken on her birthday in October 2008, this photo was shot in the same lunch spot where my dad celebrated with her last year. {Sidenote: see that ring she's wearing on her right hand? I wore it on my wedding day!}

{fun fact: my dad has had that sweater since at least 1987--when I was 2}
Living more than ten hours from my grandmother during the last seven years of her life felt somewhat like a long distance relationship. We wrote letters and sent cards {the last one I received from her was from Valentine's Day last year--a few weeks before she passed}. I tried to call, but her hearing prevented any lengthy conversations. Suffice it to say, one of the toughest parts about being away from "home" in Indiana was not being able to see her. Now that she's gone, I really do still love her from afar--though I know she's in the place where she belongs. I'm also grateful to have so many wonderful memories of her, like the one you see in this video.

Happy Birthday, Pops! Keep a smile on! We know Gramma is smiling down on you today!
Hope you enjoyed the video--have a great night everyone :) xoxo {av}

P.S. Special prayers for one of my dear friends at home who suddenly lost his mother this weekend. We certainly can't always understand the Lord's timing, but it's a comfort to know she's no longer in pain.

35 comments:

  1. this is a beautiful post! and i loved the vid, your Grandma was an awesome pianist! xx

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  2. such a beautifully sweet, loving, sad, and kind post. Happy Birthday to your daddy!

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  3. What a beautiful post. That video is wonderful. Happy birthday to your dad!

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  4. absolutely beautiful post. Happy Birthday to your Daddy! :) And LOVE the video!

    Lauren @ tickled.

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  5. Such a delightful post. I had a long distance relationship with my grandma and grandpa for several years. My grandma and I exchanged letters and she sent me care packages frequently. We spoke on the phone and I would go to KS to visit and always made it a point to go and hang out with her. She wasn't very old when she passed (67) so we were able to do things together before she got sick. Cancer took her away too early but she definitely is where she wants to be - with my grandpa in heaven. Happy birthday to your dad!

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  6. happy birthday to your dad!! I bet your grandma is up there hanging out with my grandpas sharing stories about the grandchildren and children!! :)

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  7. that was very beautiful! and an adorable video!
    xoxo em
    http://emily-sands.blogspot.com/

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  8. Aww what a sweet post! I can definitely relate to your long-distance relationship with your grandparents...I write cards and letters to my grandparents in Minnesota as well as J's grandma and call when I can. It's not ideal but the best given the geography between us!

    I hope your dad has a great birthday! :)

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  9. what a sweet post! and i really love the video!

    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

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  10. what a lovely post, av, and happy birthday to your dad. Your grandma seems like she was one fabulous lady.

    xo
    i wander, i wonder

    p.s. i posted an outfit i actually wore in vegas with sparkles and fur galore! not quite my fancy but as close as i could get. :)

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  11. what a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing this with us! <3 Your gram was gorgeous and seems like she held (heck! still holds!!!) a huge part in your life in your dad's as well =)

    I miss mine all the time. Its so great to have wonderful memories of these fantastic women =)

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  12. Your grandma is ADORABLE & happy birthday to your dad!
    <3 leigh

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  13. yeah, I totally bet our grandma's are rockin' it up in heaven :) such a sweet post. happy birthday to your dad!

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  14. Forgive me for being late on this but I love the new look! xo

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  15. I'm watching American Idol right now... seriously you all are better than what I am seeing on TV right now so don't knock yourself! hehe
    This was such a sweet post.
    xoxo

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  16. I love this! She seemed like such a wonderful lady

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  17. just came across your blog! It's great! what a great post to- great pictures girl! xo

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  18. that is the most precious video i have ever seen ! love this post friend!

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  19. i love this post. thank goodness for dads and grandmothers and everything they teach us. :) xoxoxo

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  20. This makes me smile. I can see that you adore your grandmother like I adore mine.

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  21. What a beautiful post! It made me both smile and get a little misty-eyed. Happy Birthday to your Dad! There is no doubt his Angel is sending him lots of birthday love from above. <3

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  22. I love this- what a special memory to have too :) I love capturing memories with my family in any way I can!

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  23. Gosh, this has me in tears. Such sweet memories to cherish!

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  24. What a wonderful post, you literally almost made me cry :) Grandparents are so special and while it must be extremely hard to let them go (I am lucky to still have all four) it is important to realize that it was their time and that they have truly gone home.

    Thanks so much for sharing!
    xoxo
    Jenna
    Ps Happy Birthday to your Dad!

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  25. Gah! Teary eyed! So sweet...enjoy your dad's birthday whether you're with him today or not. Happy birthday to him and happy Thursday to you!

    <3 413
    http://fouronethreesayshello.blogspot.com/

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  26. What a beautiful post, it gave me watery eyes. You're the sweetest apple ever

    Happy Birthday to your father!!!

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  27. most definitley am tearing up right now. This is such a sweet post... The Lord must have wanted her to spend the day with your dad on his birthday last year, what a blessing!

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  28. so so sweet. what a loving family you have. i'm sure your dad appreciated you celebrating both his birthday and your grandmother.

    xo.ashley

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  29. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother and to your father on his birthday. My grandmother is 93 this year and we share a close relationship like you and yours did. I loved this post... thank you!

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  30. What a sweet post, I'm sure your dad will love it. :)

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  31. What a beautiful post!x

    Ps.:You have such a lovely blog, I couldn't resist following you!

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  32. Beautiful blog post, AV! Thinking of you today!

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