Len

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

Psalm 116:15

Still a bit numb from the past 48 hours. The Hitz family could definitely use your prayers. Death is hard, even when you know that there is no more suffering, and that heaven is the eternal reward. Although I've had a number of relatives pass away this past year, this was the first person that the boys have been quite attached to-- Len was like a grandpa, to me and them.

I have so many memories of our moments together, the most recent quality time being the whole day we spent at his place after he found out Joel left to Africa that morning. He was there for the big moments... the first person besides immediate family to hold Callum. He taught Liam how to ride a bicycle. First birthday parties. But he was also there for the little moments. Showing up early to help out at church lunch. Randomly taking the boys into service to help me out. Our bimonthly dates at the Breakfast Club. Being the only one that could get Liam to eat meat (other then hotdogs, chicken nuggets and sloppy joes) for half a year.

And then there are the tangible things that I am sure will remind me of Len for years to come. Fruit snacks (he bought a box from Costco so that he could weekly treat my boys each Sunday). Chocolate covered strawberries (an after meal treat from the Breakfast Club). Creme Brulee (when we'd eat out at dinner, he always got it in memory of Audrey). Scotcheroos. Wine and proper meals/hosting. Nightlights and glass artwork. 

I have so many memories and feel so blessed that the Lord placed him in our lives for 4 1/2 years. He is Joel's great uncle, but he has felt so so so much closer then that (living only a mile away I'm sure helped that feeling too!). Here are a few pictures of some of the memories that are instant in my mind.