Though it has always been evident to me the huge love Grandpa Les had for his God and his family, I witnessed like never before the deep love that ties all the Blooms together during the memorial service earlier this week. His three sons (including Kellen's dad), a granddaughter (Kellen's eldest sister), a niece, and a childhood friend each shared of the various aspects of his life and his role in theirs, often repeating each other in reference to Les's integrity, humility, and Christ-like example.
These things I had known and continued to understand better with each shared story. Yet one of the most remarkable things about Grandpa Les and the entire Bloom family is not what was shared aloud, but what was felt. Guests to the service who knew Les very little or not at all were intensely moved; some even admitted to crying more there than they had at funerals for their own loved ones. Love and faith abounds in this family -- so much that it's contagious.
I found myself thinking about how this deep impact is possible. So, bear with me as I switch gears a little bit... Having known Kellen for 12ish years, I often wondered, even as we were younger, how he could be so awesome (which is quite subjective, so I'll try to flesh it out without going overboard... Awesome as in funny, grounded, unconcerned with popularity, respectful, compassionate, thoughtful, loyal, family-oriented, sensitive, intelligent, well-rounded, committed to living like Jesus, etc. Throw in some dashing good looks, and you have yourself some mighty fine Awesome). Because I'm weird and analyze everything, much of said awesomeness I had contributed to having a supportive, close-knit, God-centered family. And now that I've had the opportunity to date and be married to my awesome husband, I have experienced much more of the Bloom family beyond Kellen's immediate kin. I'm not sure how many of you, dear readers, have close relationships with your grandparents' siblings (great aunts and uncles), your parents' cousins (first cousins once removed?), or their kids (second cousins). But if you're anything like the usual American family, you're likely to only see these extended relatives at reunions, weddings, and funerals. For the Blooms, this is not true. The Blooms, in this way, are extraordinary. They spend time with one another intentionally and frequently. As an outsider marrying in, the closeness became obvious to me as I realized how wonderful it was to already know and feel connected to every person at my rather large bridal shower.
Is that normal? I'm venturing to say that it's not.
What's my point? I'm not sure.
I am sure, though, that children learn from their parents. They don't always learn what their parents tell them, but they do learn what they show them. The Blooms, including Les and Arlene and those before them, showed their kids how to love by loving them. They showed them that family is important by spending time with family. They showed them that God is real and there's hope in Jesus by practicing what they preached. During Grandpa Les's service, one of Kellen's uncles shared that, as a kid, he woke up for school each morning to his dad either reading the Bible or praying... That's what matters. Not telling your kids, "Read your Bible, it's important," or "Pray everyday, it's important." Doing it is important.
Grandpa Les, as recounted several times, was not a showman. He was not out in front of the crowd, drawing attention to himself. His strength, integrity, faith, and love was demonstrated quietly in the background. He managed to impact everyone in his family, at his work, in his circle of friends, at his church without honking a horn and telling what was important to him. He showed it, plain and simple.
As I think about starting our own family one day, I look to the wonderful examples in Kellen's family as well as my own. And I know, as an imperfect person, I'll never get it right. But I am grateful for the transforming power, love, and example of Jesus as I try anyway.
Can't wait to see you again.
Love, "Roxy"
