This month has unquestionably been the most emotional, raw, heartbreaking month of my life. My grandmother died on February 24, 2012 and then my father unexpectedly and suddenly died on February 29, 2012. Words cannot express my sorrow and I am still not really ready to talk about my daddy on my blog, but I wanted to spend a few minutes remembering my grandmother.
My grandmother was a strong woman. She lived through World War II and the great depression. She was 97 years old when she died. She worked at a flower shop well into her 80’s. She could be stubborn, but she always loved well. She was witty and funny. Last Christmas, I remember her saying multiple things that had me laughing so hard my sides hurt. She loved the Lord and her faith was evident in her actions. Fishing was one of her favorite things. She met my grandfather on a fishing trip. She was an amazing cook. Everything she made was delicious but in no way good for you. Her rolls are still the best rolls I have ever eaten. She always cooked for an army. She would never sit down to eat until she was sure that everyone else was taken care of. (My mother gets this from her.) She loved her family more than anything.
One of my cousins wrote her the following poem and read it at her funeral. It is entitled The Woman who Saved a Nation:
As a kid without fail, you dragged me to church even if I gave you hell. I always thought it was boring and dull. Little did I know you were molding a soul. You gave me a foundation on the most firm land, that one day you knew my feet would firmly stand. You have made me into the man I am today. And every time I think, I get on two knees and pray. You see, you saved my life there is no doubt, without saying a word or even a shout. And now that you’re gone we all know for sure that you have the biggest heart that is so truly pure. The boy you saved is now grown into a man. I plan to lead others as you have to the promise land. I intend to coach many young men, spreading the word of the One without sin, who died on a cross over 2000 years ago. Looking in the future of your sparkling eyes that glow, to draw strength with every lash received. Looking at your face, He took another, then breathed… As He could have easily flown away, the pain was necessary for me and you to even be here today. You see, He did it for you, He did it for me, so that one day we will give up our life for His glory. As we were born a sinner, we are now a saint. We stand here weak, are you going to faint? The lamb’s book of life, grandma your name is surely in. Say hi to Jesus for me, the Man without sin.
We love you and will forever keep you in our hearts.
You can say it, I was a cute baby.
My grandmother was a great woman. Her children and grandchildren are her legacy. She will be greatly missed. But I am comforted to know she is no longer in pain. She is with Christ for eternity.
