Monday, August 10, 2009
My grandma, was a very special person. I wish that more people would have had a chance to get to know her as our family had. I and our family did simply because of the way Grandma touched every life she intersected with in a unique and wonderful way. I don't ever remember hearing from anyone who met her that they didn't like her but I do remember a lot of people commenting on what an awesome grandma I had and how they wished their grandmas were more like mine. Grandma had always been supportive in all ways - from being our sounding board,our teacher and the woman we looked up to, to silly fights and our relatively "tame" teenage rebellions. She taught us about gardening, living frugally, being happy with what we had rather than desiring more. She taught us about forgiveness and trust. In her way, she helped heal some terrible hurts in our hearts, and I'm not even sure she knew how much influence she had on us with her words of wisdom and her constant example. Grandma had an unwavering faith in the Lord and she passed that down to her children and grandchildren. Grandma took "love thy neighbor" to the farthest extent she could, always reaching out to help, even to those she didn't personally know. She gave her time, material needs, emotional support, physical labor, and prayers freely and with a glad heart and through her we learned the joy of giving and helping. She was never happier than when she was able to lend a hand to someone in need. That was just part of her gentle and loving spirit. She truly lived God's love. I tried to be a good grandchild to her, and like most children, most humans, fell short in many areas, but I'd like to think that she knew how much I loved and admired her. I'll always be grateful to her, and knowing she is always part of me provides a mild form of comfort. Today, we're all feeling the loss of Grandma and it's painful but I know she's in a better place without pain, without the limitations of the human body, and her spirit is glowing bright with the love and beauty she always possessed in life, just set free now. Heaven is a brighter place with her in residence. Our loss is truly Heaven's gain and my comfort is in knowing that someday we'll all be together with Grandma again. Thank you, everyone, for supporting our family and remembering my Grandma. She was a uniquely special person who was, and is, very much loved.