Wednesday, September 5, 2007

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!

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Bren at times like this is hard to find the right words, so I'll say I'm sorry that she has gone, but I'm rejoicing with you knowing that she can look into the eyes of the One who took upon Himself all our sin and shame.

dot said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss but very happy to know she is now with the Lord. Take care and you and your family are in my prayers.

Belvie said...

Bren, so sorry to hear about your grandmother. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Sue said...

So very sorry about your Grandma, Bren.

Rose Marie said...

Prayers and thoughts are winging your way. I'm very sorry.

Solstitches said...

I'm so sorry to hear aboutyour grandma and am thinking of you at this sad time.

Chookyblue...... said...

Bren I am thinking of you..........take care......

meggie said...

Sending you hugs, Bren. I know your Grandma's loss is hard, but I am sure she is happy, & has no more pain to bear.

Sweet P said...

I'm sorry to hear of your family's loss. I'm sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.

Melzie said...

Oh Bren its so hard to lose a grandma youre close to, its rather like a mother only without the issues. Big hugs to you and her salvation testimony made me cry. xoxo melzie

Rose Johnston said...

Sendng u a big hug Bren...Take care u and ur family r in my thoughts.

atet said...

I am so sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. Take heart in your memories of her.

Darlene said...

You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers, Bren. Consider yourself ((HUGGED))

Pam said...

So sorry Bren for the loss of your Grandmother. It sounds like she was a lovely person with a great love for her family. My thoughts are with you.

Leigh said...

So so sorry Bren. Grandmothers are THE most special people.
(((HUGS)))

Yvonne said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Bren. I'm sure your Grandmother's passing is bittersweet for you. Take care....

QuiltingFitzy said...

Very touching and loving tribute. Memories last forever.

Hugs.

Wendy said...

My thoughts are with you. Big Big Hugs for you.

Teodo said...

Sorry Bren about your grandmother I think you will always have her in your hearth.
Hugs
ciao, ciao

Jeanne said...

Bren, I am so sorry for your loss. I marvel at the way God works in our lives. How wonderful that your grandmother was able to walk with God
before she died.

Alice said...

Dear Bren - I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your Gran, but what a blessing that her suffering was so short. Even more of a blessing was her calm acceptance of death and the hope of eternal life.

God has already granted you the peace of knowing he was waiting for your Gran even though she didn't know it. God bless you in the coming months, Bren.

Libby said...

Bren, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'll be thinking of you and your family with prayers coming your way.