Thursday, August 7, 2008

My tribute to my Grandma!!

I know I have been writing a lot about this wonderful woman who made a profound impact on my life and all those who knew her. I feel honored and privileged to have had my GREAT grandma for sooo long and even more blessed that she was able to attend my wedding to my hubby and get to see Little Man grow to the ripe old age of 4 before she passed to a better life. My family has had 5 generations for as long as I can remember. There is a photo floating around in our family archives of me with my mother, grandmother, great-grandma and my great-great grandfather. I don't really remember him as I was about 4 or 5 but how awesome that I have a similar legacy to leave my little fella complete with pictures and all. I wanted to take a moment and post my tribute that I gave at Grandma Daisy's service on Sat evening. If for nothing else, to allow me to read it from time to time and remind me that she left me with the most profound inheritance that any human can give another. For that, I am eternally grateful! Here goes: "I have been praying since I saw Grandma in the hospital and accepted the finality of her eventual passing about what to say at her service. The Lord continued to call to my mind the following scripture:

'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.'
Phillipians 4:7-9 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul wrote this in a letter to the church at Philippi but when I recall the scripture, I can hear Grandma saying these exact words to each of us!
Over the years, Grandma gave me several tangible items that I hold dear: the clock that sat on the mantle in the house she and Grandpa built. This clock now sits on my mantle; her wedding rings that Grandpa gave her when they were first married. These same rings were attached to my bouquet as I walked down the aisle to marry my husband; and a set of cuff links that belonged to Grandpa Carl -- these same cuffs that I plan to bestow on my son one day. These 'things' are reminders of her and her love and devotion to us all but I am most thankful for the legacy she left behind. Her ability to deal with the many trials and tribulations in our family with peace and comfort for others.
To borrow a phrase from my brother, 'she embodied all that is right in this world.' She loved unconditionally and she was loved by everyone that had the privilege to know her. But, most importantly she loved the Lord above ALL things. If anyone knows anything about Grandma, they know she loved the Lord and her church. In her perfect world, EVERYONE would be in church. She would say to me quite often, 'there is nothing like a church family.'
I look back to when I was growing up and I now think that the Lord placed Grandma Daisy and Grandpa Carl in my life to show me what godly people were like. As a child I loved to read and Grandma had bookshelves filled with Bibles and Christian books. I would read them, whether I understood them or not and Grandma and I would talk about them. These were my first theological discussions.
I grew up wanting to make her proud. From time to time as I grew, I would find myself in a precarious situation and I would call Grandma to discuss my choices. She would listen, make sure that I knew she loved me no matter what and then she would proceed to 'set me straight.' She always did this with love and never left me feeling less then whole. She loved and accepted me 'warts and all.'
I will miss her laugh that caused her whole body to shake, her soft warm hands that would melt into mine, and her inviting arms that would pull me in for a hug that I never wanted to end. Grandma just felt like HOME. I take comfort in the fact that she is at home now with all that went before her, including Grandpa Carl. But, I think her joy is seeing Jesus and climbing into His lap and hear Him say, 'well done My good and faithful servant - WELL DONE!!'
I want to thank the Lord for allowing me the privilege of being her great-granddaughter and experiencing her love for 39 years. She is with You in Heaven and for that I say thank You for rewarding her for a life well-lived for You!
Grandma and I always ended our conversations with 'Love ya, Love ya.'
Love Ya - Love Ya Grandma -- We will see each other some day!

3 comments:

Christie said...

What a beautiful tribute. I am praying for more & more strength for you everyday.

Christie

Sharon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sharon said...

I'm sure your Grandkids will say the same about you someday. You make me miss my Grandma. She died 3 years ago. She accepted the Lord on her death bed. I wonder if my Grandma and your Grandma are chattin' each other up in heaven. :) hugs, Sharon