Jack Bannister

^8 "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."  James 4:8-10

     I was blessed to have wonderful holidays abroad.  However, on January 5, 2017 my beloved Grandfather, Jack Hall Bannister, passed away.  It is a comfort that he is in heaven.  It is a comfort that I have been able to come be with my family for the rest of the month.  However, he was a constant in my life and my heart is broken. 

     I kept my act together for the two days I remained in Bolivia, barely, preparing to come home.  I managed the travels and getting home and the funeral.  Now that things are slowing down and I no longer have things that I have to get through.  Now that the family from out of town has gone home.  I am really starting to struggle.  I am fine one moment and crying the next.  My dad and I are so much alike that I think he is the same way.  The only way we know how to deal is to go off like a wounded animal and heal with God and ourselves.    
  Please be praying for my family.  This is only the beginning.  All the memories, good and bad, are washing over us.  We rejoice and mourn all at once.  While I am home, I am taking advantage of being with family and hopefully close friends.  However, I need to take the time to allow all the raw emotions roll through me and find closure.