It's been a whole week and a half since my wife's Grandpa passed away. It happened on December 6th and his loved ones were all in the room with him when he went home. With how crazy it's been, it has been a pretty traumatic experience for all of us but we are going to make it through. It's going to be especially rough during the holidays because we'll miss him so much.
James Carlton Miller was one of the nicest persons I've ever known. He always told the corniest jokes and I was usually the only one laughing at them because I would have told the same joke myself. He loved to tell stories. He would take the opportunity to share with you what he thought about all kinds of subjects, including his Sooners and his faith. He was the kind of person that if He heard or saw that you (or even strangers) had a prayer need, He wouldn't let it go another minute before bringing the request to God. I just don't know hardly anyone else like that, even some of those in the ministry.
I was a lot closer to him than I was to both of my grandpa's. Maybe because when I had the chance to be close to my own, I was too immature to realize how precious the time with them would be. I wish now that I could have that time back. Even though I didn't know Kimi's Grandpa for years upon years, I truly enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him. I would sit and talk with him long after the family left the dinner table when we would come to visit. He always had something to talk about. He was a Godly influence on numerous lives and was extremely influential to his family. Papa truly lived his life by this quote: "Don't count the days but rather make the days count." He exhibited this, especially in the last few years.
We had his funeral a week ago today on the 11th at his church. It was a celebration of his life here and it's impact on the world. My brother-in-law Ben spoke from his heart about his Grandpa and did a great job. The main eulogy was done by Brad Kendall, the pastor of Grandpa's church. He did an incredible job, capturing Grandpa's impact on everyone's lives for so many years. From there we went on out to the cemetery in Jones. We were led by 2 police officers on motorcycles zooooming to the next intersection and yelling at people that wouldn't stop for the procession to go by. I enjoyed that probably a little too much b/c I kept laughing at the motorists' faces when the cops threatened them when they wouldn't stop. Anyway, the graveside service was short and sweet and honorable. Something that the pastor noticed when we got there was a tower just past the trees outside the cemetery. Apparently the mascot for Jones public schools is the "Longhorns". Isn't that ironic? A fanatic Sooner fan being buried in the land of the "Longhorns". So wrong...
I just want to say thank you to everyone who gave their thoughts and prayers to our family during this time. And for those who were able to visit Grandpa in the hospital, thank you for your support. I especially want to thank the Pastor for him being there through ALL of it... in the ER... the days in the hospital... the funeral. He was a constant positive presence and respectably offered up his advice when asked. He was a warrior in prayer for Grandpa and all of us. Thank you Pastor Kendall for following God's call and being a pillar of Godly strength for us during this time. I pray that God would bless you and your family for this kindness you have willingly bestowed upon our family. Thank you.
Christmas is in one week from today. It's going to be a madhouse running around Oklahoma and Texas trying to make it to all the family Christmas parties. I pray that God would keep you all safe as you travel. Cliche Alert: Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Please let Him impact your life this Christmas. Don't fight with your family but rather cherish them and the time you are allowed with them. Tell them (and SHOW them) you love them before you don't have a chance to.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Jason
