My grandfather, J. Thoedore Sampson, would have been 101 last week.  It’s hard to wrap my mind that fact that he’s been gone for nearly 13 years already.  Grandpa Ted, was a true patriarch and his passing left a huge hole in our family.  He had special relationships with each of his 4 children as well as 13 grandchildren, that let each of us know that we were treasured and loved unconditionally.

I realized the other day that two other great men shared a birthday with my beloved grandfather. I can’t help but think that both President Ronald W. Regan & Reverand Billy F. Graham were patriarchs and spiritual leaders of their families. The way I see it, Grandpa is in good company.

At this writing, I find myself in quite the predicament. How in the midst of a global pandemic, with my extended family spread all over the country, do I properly honor my grandfather & celebrate his 101st birthday, in a way that will honor the patriarch and spiritual head of my family.

Maybe the lyrics of “Say I Won’t” by Mercy Me, will help to answer that question:

Today
It all begins
I’m seeing my life for the very first time
Through a different lens

Yesterday
I didn’t understand
Driving 35 with the rocket inside
Didn’t know what I had

While I’ve been waiting to live
My life’s been waiting on me

I’m gonna run
No, I’m gonna fly
I’m gonna know what it means to live
And not just be alive
The world’s gonna hear
‘Cause I’m gonna shout
And I will be dancing when circumstances drown the music out
Say I won’t

Not enough
Is what I’ve been told
But it must be a lie
‘Cause the Spirit inside says I’m so much more
So let them say what they want
Oh, I dare them to try

I’m gonna run
No, I’m gonna fly
I’m gonna know what it means to live
And not just be alive
The world’s gonna hear
‘Cause I’m gonna shout
And I will be dancing when circumstances drown the music out
Say I won’t

Say I won’t
Say I won’t
Say I won’t

I’m gonna run
No, I’m gonna fly
I’m gonna know what it means to live
And not just be alive
This world’s gonna hear, whoa
‘Cause I’m gonna shout
And I will be dancing when circumstances drown the music out
Say I won’t

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
So keep on saying I won’t
And I’ll keep proving you wrong

Say I won’t
Say that I won’t
Oh, say I won’t
Say I won’t

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Happy Birthday Grandpa 🎉

X💜X💜

#Write28Days