I think I have been avoiding posting this blog because I am not even sure how to put into words what happened or how it left me feeling. Being so far away from family is a burden that I rarely talk openly about. I often tell Kjetil that it is a room I just can't go into. I face most problems head on but the pain that comes along with being separated from my family is not one of those problems. Kjetil's grandparents have become my grandparents. They have taken me in, accepted me as I am and made me one of their own. It helped ease my pain and I've told Kjetil plenty of times that when they pass away, it would crush me.
The same day that my parents left, Farfar passed away. Farmor called Kjetil late that night in hysterics thinking that she had called her son Kjel Roar. Farfar had fallen and was unconscious. Kjetil hurried over and spent the remainder of the evening at the hospital where farfar eventually passed away. It was unexpected, it was sudden and it was a huge loss.
I instantly started looking through my pictures to find some of my favorites of him. He was so kind and gentle with our children and made it a priority to spend time with them when we came to visit.
He was a spiritual giant and lived the gospel each and every day. When I first met them, they were serving a temple mission in Stockholm, Sweden. His conversion story always impressed me and his testimony was strong. It was an honor to have him be a part of each baby blessing.
Farfar was incredibly loving and full of laughter. Listening to him and farmor banter back and forth always left me laughing. I don't think you could find a more patient man and I am not sure if you could find a man who could rival his firm hugs.
I may have only known him for 7 short years but I am grateful for that time and for the opportunity I had to get to know him better. My only regret is that life moved so quickly the day of Joseph's blessing and we didn't take a picture together with him.
Luckily, he was able to be apart of that sacred event. Luckily, he got to hold Joseph just days after he was born. And luckily, he was able to give Joseph as special nickname that just may end up following him through life. He told me that he wasn't going to call him Joseph, he would be calling him "lille Annstein". I laughed and told him that was just fine as long as it was only him that called him that.
The family gathered just a few days before for Joseph's blessing and then returned a few days later for Farfar's funeral.
But I think Joseph offered comfort during a time of loss. Joseph has a set of lungs on him but right after farfar died, he was so quiet and gentle. He was easy going and cuddly. Just what everyone needed!
Annstein found a lot of solace holding "lille Annstein" after his own father passed away.
I wrote on Facebook that the world and the Olsen family lost an incredible man after farfar died and I stand by that statement. It has been over a month since his passing and I still expect to see him. I am so grateful for my knowledge of eternal families. I am grateful I know where I am going after this life ends and what God has in store for each of us. It is a true blessing in times of sorrow.
Nathan was keenly aware of the fact that Oldefar was no longer around. He even went to the viewing with us and wanted to see Oldefar. He told us over and over again that Oldefar was sleeping and that he was happy. He told us that Oldefar was with Jesus and that he was ok. He told us how he loved Oldefar and how he missed Oldefar. Just the other day he came up to me and said "miss Oldefar mamma.". I couldn't help but wipe away a few tears. I miss him too and I will continue to miss him until our paths cross again.
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