I had to record this story before I forgot it.
Aaron and the boys were talking by the fire this weekend while we were camping. Gavin told Aaron that he had gotten hurt on the playground and was super sad to be bleeding. He said he felt like someone was hugging him while he was sad. Aaron asked who he thought it was. Gavin replied that he thought maybe it was Grandpa Cliff. He thought for a second, "maybe the Holy Ghost... or Jesus." I just asked Gavin about his experience. It was very tender to hear him tell me that Grandpa Cliff was hugging him.
I've been watching video clips lately of growing up. Oh, how they make me miss my dad's laugh and playfulness. I remember having a similar experience at work back in Virginia years ago. I was looking out the window, thinking about work stuff and suddenly, I literally felt like I was being hugged and my dad's voice came into my mind and expressed how proud he was at who I was becoming. I haven't had an experience like that since, but I'm grateful that I was given that moment.
I'm sad my kids don't get to have my dad love on them on earth, but I'm grateful for the knowledge that he lives on and watches over us and we will see him again.
