B is for Bittersweet

Well, today marks a day in history that Americans will never forget.  It's hard to believe that was 9 years ago.  The happenings of that day are still very vivid in my mind. 

This day also marks a day in Cypert-family history.  A year ago today was the beginning to a new family tradition -- the annual Billy Paul Cypert family reunion.  It was the day we all arrived at Mitchel for the first annual reunion.  And, unbeknowst to us, it also was the beginning of the last get-together we'd have with Pop.  Only a few short weeks later, God took him from this world. 

I never know why I'm amazed by God's brilliance -- afterall, He IS the maker of the Universe.  BUT, I was/am amazed at just how perfect and meticulous His plan was for that weekend in particular.  The weekend we had organized was full of activities that had small groups of the family split in several directions doing a variety of things: golfing, swimming, fishing, cooking, you name it.  God put a halt to that with a weekend of non-stop rain showers -- what a bummer, we thought, for all this planning to be ruined by the rain.  I know God must have wanted to roll His eyes at us for thinking that -- you of little faith!  Instead of everyone going in 10 different directions, we spent our entire weekend as a family in one big room watching old home movies (which were hilarious by the way), playing games, and visiting & laughing together -- all 20 or so of us.  It was the best weekend!  God knew it would be our last time to spend as a family with Pop there.  He knew we needed to slow down and truly embrace the time we had together.  He knew what he was doing.

So, aside from the obvious moments of reflection today brings for Americans, today brings bittersweet reflection for me, in particular.  I'm most thankful for the opportunity to have one last great visit with Pop and to be able to look back on those days with such fond memories; however, my heart aches missing the laughter and the little things only he brought to our lives.  I'm so sad that my children will never remember or know Pop.  But, I am joyful that I have so many great memories and stories to share with them about him. 

Pop, this one's for you:  Accompanied with my best air guitar performance, "there's no business like show business."  (smile) (tears)

Here's a snpashot from that weekend (so glad I have this for Jathan):