Experiencing Loss

In Memory of Grandma 1930-2013

The call came in last night just after 9.  My grandmother, 82, who had spent the last few days in the hospital with pneumonia, was not doing well.  I was a bit surprised at this since I had been told she was improving.  However, we had been down this road before.  Grandma suffered from heart problems and COPD.  Illness was always tough on her.  She had been rushed to the hospital often.  She had been life-lined once to a bigger hospital, and sent to a bigger hospital by ambulance before.

My husband and I rushed to the hospital.  Once there, it was a waiting game while the hospital staff attempted to stabilize grandma for transport to the same larger hospital that had treated her before.  When the code-blue call came across the intercom for ICU, I think we all knew.  But still, we waited.  When the doctor came out awhile later, the news was heart-wrenching.  Grandma's battle was over.  She was home with Jesus.

My grandma was the sweetest lady I think most people have ever known.  She was kind and gentle and generous.  As I sit here typing, I remember how amazing she was.  Grandma loved the Lord, and was an example for her entire family.  She homeschooled my uncle, before it was acceptable.  She always had a smile for everyone she saw.  She would have as many as three gardens going at once.  She canned and was an amazing cook.  I can't remember a time of not seeing her black, King James Bible sitting close by, ready to be opened and read. 

As a girl, Grandma was my go-to lady.  There is always that one person a child turns to, and for me it was Grandma.  She would listen to me talk for hours.  She would be in her kitchen, cooking or cleaning, and we would talk about anything and everything.  Never judgmental, she would put into perspective all the trials and tribulations I was enduring.  Grandma never hesitated to talk about the Lord.

She was artistic and hardworking.  Grandma's house was always neat as a pin.  She had painted her own cabinets.  She would sew clothed for my dolls.  Once, when one of the dogs got a hold of my doll and tore it up, Grandma put the doll in the "hospital", where she used a different doll to give it new legs, arms, and even hair.  Grandma could draw and paint.   She designed a pillow case for my tenth birthday that was so precious.  She once painted a mural of the farm she lived on.  It was an amazing picture.

Grandma grew up in the Depression.  She quit school in the eighth grade to help take care of her younger siblings.  Years later, she homeschooled my uncle.  She decided to get her GED while in her 60s.  She succeeded without much study.  She was smart, and an 8th grade education was very advanced compared to the education of today.

I know where she is.  The Scripture in 1 Thessalonians is true.  We don't grieve like those that have no hope.  I know that I will see her again one day, and it will be a time of rejoicing.  I know that Grandma was greeted in heaven by many loved ones.  Her brothers, sister, mom, dad, and many others were probably waiting for her like we excitedly wait for the birth of a precious baby.  I know that Christ was waiting for her.

We were very blessed by Grandma.  I have told my children often how lucky they are.  Not many people are fortunate enough to grow up with their Great-Grandma in their lives.  My older girls will remember her love and legacy.  My younger girls may not remember as much, but I will share with them how amazing their great-grandma was.  

Over the next few days, as my family grieves, I am praying for God's peace to envelop us all.  We grieve, because we will miss her.