NO ONE could have told me THIS

More than 21 days ago I posted on Instagram that I will take a break from IG.  People told me how I would lose followers, miss out on life (other people’s lives), fall behind… all sorts of things but no one could have told me this… 

....that I would have to say goodbye to one of my most favourite people in this world, the wisest person I know, my mentor and someone that modeled a relationship with Christ… On 2 September 2019 my grandfather, my “Oupa Tjommie”  (which directly translates to Grandfather Friend) went home. We called him that because he was always a friend to us. I loved him so much. I always went to him for advice, for prayer, for a “press” (that’s what he called a hug). My grandfather was my role model and because of him, I pursued Jesus… I still do. I was always excited to tell him if I had a new revelation about Jesus and His word.

No one could have told me that even though my grandfather would pass, that I will gain a peace that is so deep, that is so big, that it can’t be described in words…. Really, it is a peace that surpasses all understanding… it must be the peace of the Holy Spirit. 

Yes… I’m sad. I’m sad that I will no longer see his compassionate eyes filled with the love of Jesus. I’m sad that I will no longer hear him sing “How great thou art”.

I’m sad that I won’t be able to listen to his stories or hear him laugh so hard.

I’m sad that I won’t be able to just step into his office and ask for advice and wisdom for something that I am struggling with.

I’m sad about those things....

Please don’t tell me he is in a better place, he has no more pain, his heart is now whole…. I know all of that. I know… I do and I have peace about that… like I said, a peace that I cannot describe in words.

I am grateful also because on 1 September 2019, I got to spend some good quality time with him. We had a “braai (bbq), celebrating a new season, new life, celebrating spring that comes after winter… I got to ask him how he is doing and he will respond with “Ek weier om te kla” (I refuse to complain) as he would always do. I heard him laugh, I saw his compassionate smiling eyes, I listened to his stories and I got a “press”. I got to hear him say “blessings” as we greeted him and said goodbye.… I got to tell him I love him and he got to tell me he loves me too… not knowing it would be the last time we hear it. BUT that is something I gained, loving lasting memory with my grandfather. I am so grateful for that time.

Symbolism around the numbers regarding my grandfather's passing.

On 2 December 2015, exactly three years  and 9 months ago from the date of his passing, he was sent home after being in the hospital for a major heart attack.

My grandfather and I were both interested in dreams and the symbolic meaning behind numbers. So... what follows is one of the ways I found closure.

According to Biblestudy.org, the number “2” is symbolic of unity.

"3" is symbolic for complete and "9" is symbolic for divine completeness or finality.

My grandfather passed around 17:00 (5 o’clock p.m) and 5 is symbolic of God’s grace, goodness and favour towards humans and 17 symbolises overcoming the enemy or complete victory.

My grandfather lived his life living for Jesus, loving others (1 John 3:16-24) and he lived it in truth and action. His heart was pure and filled with God’s love.  The symbolic meaning of the numbers as explained above also brings me peace that my grandfather lived in fullness and on the day of his passing, everything he had to do came to a divine completion, and he was joined in unity with the Spirit of Jesus. The good work started in him was brought to completion (Phil 1:6). To be with Jesus Christ, is complete victory over the enemy! Praise Jesus!

You can now rest Oupa Tjommie and be with Jesus… oh how you loved Him.

Farewell ... until we join you...

Dad, “Oupa Tjommie”, Noel, husband, dear friend to many…You have reached the end of your life journey. The good work the Lord started in you, is now divinely completed (Phil 1:6). You were always ready to bless someone else, your eyes were always filled with compassion and when you laughed, it came from your soul. You gave advice in wisdom and joked with your fine sense of humor. You modeled a Godly and loving relationship with Christ and kept your eyes on Him. Oh, and how you loved to sing and praise God. Now you get to sing “how great Thou art” in heavenly realms, with heavenly host filled with joy and peace and your eyes still on Jesus. We will treasure the memory and light you left in all of us. Now we rest, knowing that you are Home.

An Officer and a Gentleman