Grandma

My Grandma passed away in her home this morning, quietly in her sleep. Her very short battle with cancer is over and mercifully her suffering was short lived. The above picture is of my Grandmother (the little red-head) and her family, circa 1978. My dad is the one in the back giving the wave. He is the oldest of my Grandma's 7 children. My Grandfather, also in the picture, front row, right, passed away in 1980 or 81. They were divorced before I was ever born. My Grandma's only daughter, Annie, died in 1983 at the age of 41 of a brain bleed. My Grandma never fully recovered from that broken heart. She was heard calling Annie's name toward the end. She was 87 and lived a long full life. She will be buried with the love of her life, Andy, who passed away several years ago.
This is one of 2 tablecloths my Grandma made for me when my boys were young. I promised one to each of them. Bud's has embroidered ducks and flowers and this one with tulips is Kyle's. He graciously lets me use it ;) By the way, the table and chairs was given to me by my Grandma too. I showed this before, but I will share it again, as it is a prize to me. The antique cabinet that my Dad hid in when he was 3 years old. Along with these "things" I have many, many wonderful memories of my Grandma. She had such a love of dogs. Her frig was covered in pictures of everyone's pups and even the last time I saw her, bedridden and weak, she asked about Carly, our new puppy.

My Grandmother never had a belief in God. She had "no need of religion" and if there was a God she had no use for Him. After becoming terminal, she begged for chemotherapy and cried out her fear of dying. She was not ready and did not want to die. She would go through any treatment, no matter how sick and unbearable it made her life, as long as she could stay alive. One day, about 2 weeks ago, a Salvation Army Pastor came to visit (we still are unsure of how they knew to come) and ministered to my Grandma. After praying with this Pastor, my Grandma became very relaxed and told my Aunt, "I am ready now." How come I continue to be amazed at God's mercy and grace, when I see it continually in my own life and the lives of those around me? The anguish I would have had at my Grandmother's death is now peace mixed with a personal sorrow because, this day, my Grandmother is walking on streets of Gold and meeting face to face with her Creator, the King of Heaven and Earth, with Annie right there with her!