Near to Pappa

this poem is adapted from the hymn, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of quiet rest
Near to the heart of Pappa
A place where love is best
Near to the heart of Pappa.

There is a place of comfort sweet
Near to the heart of Pappa
Hold me, who loves so greatly
Near to the heart of Pappa.

There is no place he'd rather be
Near to the heart of Pappa
A place of love and full safety
Near to the heart of Pappa.

O Saviour, blest protector,
Sent from the heart of God
Hold him who sleeps so quietly
Near to your heart, O God.

Today was a lead up to several weeks of much, much sadness. Today I finally was able to visit my little grandson, Nathaniel Manoa at his grandmother Julie's house. With Amber his mother in Biloxi with my son Landon, for the past many weeks, all lines of communication has been cut off to Melanie, Jordon and I. It is too long a story, but suffice to say, it has been quiet unsettling and dispiriting to us.
Now I learn today that Amber never came back from Landon's Air Force graduation in Texas, but went to Biloxi where they are to live.
Amber is returning this week early, taking a U haul back with most of the furniture we gave them, plus the Pathfinder we gave them to live for the next six or more months while Landon is in tech school. While I am grateful they are securing a home, it greatly distresses me that they are leaving and at this time, have no interest in keeping the lines of communication open with us.
I cannot fathom going months without knowing about them, especially Nathaniel.
If anyone reads this blog that is a praying person, please pray that the Holy Spirit will soften and convict their hearts and they will repent of this estrangement.