It's been a long time since I've blogged anything. Social media has taken its place...it's quicker and easier to share snapshots of life on a more daily basis there. I do miss sitting at the computer and typing up life's stories, though. And this year's story is much too long for a social media post-actually, I'm going to have to split it up into several blog posts! Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. The Lord has taken our family on quite the ride this year and I want to record it so we can look back and be reminded of His goodness, faithfulness, and love.
The year started with celebrating Grandma Mary's 95th birthday in February at The Ponderosa with lots of friends and family. She left a mark on so many people, simply through her quiet and steadfast presence in their lives and her unshakeable faith. The night of her party, she became unresponsive. Aaron and I were scheduled to leave for a work conference in Tennessee the next morning, while the kids stayed with my parents. We were to be gone for almost a full week. Before we left, we stopped at The Ponderosa to see Grandma. She had woken up and was seemingly back to herself. I had a good conversation with her, gave her a hug and kiss on the forehead, told her I loved her & would see her when we got back. Before we got to Nashville, she had become unresponsive again. It was absolutely awful being so far away, not only from Grandma but also from our kids. They were all very close to her. She passed away 2 days before we came home. It's hard to imagine it being a shock to lose someone who is 95, but when that someone was as special as Grandma Mary was to our family, it was so difficult. This is what I wrote for her service:
The first thing I think of when I think about Grandma Mary is prayer. My entire life, I have witnessed her devotion to bringing cares, troubles, and praises to her Savior. She always had some little nook that was full of notes, pictures of loved ones and missionaries, and her Bible. That is where she went to battle for the ones she loved. A prayer warrior. What a legacy.
Another thing that all the cousins will agree is synonymous with Grandma is popcorn, apples, and cheese! The best snack as we sat around and visited, played games, or watched TV (usually KU basketball!) at the farm!
And I've yet to figure out how she always managed to feed whatever army showed up at her door unannounced. I swear that deep freeze was magic because she pulled feasts out of there!
I was privileged to have a front row seat to a life lived to glorify Christ. An example of a faithful wife, a caring mother, and a loving grandmother.
There is deep sadness and yet deep joy to have lost one as special as Grandma Mary. Deep sadness because we all loved her dearly and she was always a steady and joyful presence in our lives that we will terribly miss. Her quiet and steady devotion to her Savior set an example to strive for in my own relationship with Him. I've not met someone who so aptly fits the title "prayer warrior" than she did. And deep joy because we know that she has met her Savior face to face and heard Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" and will spend the rest of eternity in His very presence!! What a glorious day that was for her.
And thus the tension of loved ones left behind. Deep sadness and deep joy. What an honor and privilege to have called her Grandma and been blessed to be taught by her example.
We were so blessed to have her at The Ponderosa for several years, for my kids to make many memories with her. For me to learn even more from her, to just have those precious days and hours with her. And even for me to be able to help care for her at the end of her life. Such a privilege and honor.
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