Hours after we laid Grandma Leota to rest, my dad, Brian and I returned to the nursing home to see Grandma Janie. Over the past several days she had gotten much weaker, was sleeping much of the time and, when awake, was very uncomfortable. She hadn't eaten much for days. The nurses told us the doctor had been in and had adjusted her chart to respite care. Twelve long days passed as her family sat with her 24 hours a day. We gathered around her on Mother's Day singing hymns. Though she slept we knew she could hear us. As night past to morning Grandma found peace.
Her funeral service was filled with beautiful music about streets of gold, a beautiful sermon and a few simple words I wrote and read during the service as I humbly tried to capture what Grandma meant to so many of us......
The smell of peonies in the kitchen air, swinging on the porch swing on a warm Sunday afternoon, homemade ice cream, chicken and noodles, hot rolls, laundry hanging on the clothesline, perfect plum jelly, a warm welcoming smile….these are a few of our favorite things that remind us of a wonderful Christian woman we were proud to call grandma, mom, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Regardless of what we called her, we all feel the same. Grandma Janie was one-of-a-kind. She inspires many and is loved by all.
She represents the true definition of unconditional love. She was genuine in thought, word and deed. She modeled her faithfulness through her stewardship and hospitality, selflessness, kindness and compassion while greeting every day with a smile and positive outlook. She worked hard and enjoyed life.
Last June, we celebrated with Grandma Janie as she competed in a regional nursing home pageant. She advanced to this competition after being crowned "Queen of Kindness" at Webco. I can think of no better title for her. Her love for life kept her young and active even at 91. Throughout life, she woke early and filled her days with activities at church, work, home and in the company of friends and family. Young at heart, it was sometimes hard for the rest of us to keep up with her. During her time at Webco we had to plan our visits to fit between her meals, church services, activities and bingo. The dime with her today – the last dime she won at bingo - represents her many interests, vitality and zest for life. During her interview at the pageant she spoke of her love for her family, her faith and hobbies. When asked what her one pet peeve was she said, "people who complain". Never one to complain herself, she enjoyed life everyday and found joy in spending time with people and doing things she loved like cooking, gardening and sewing.
Grandma’s life was a life defined by bringing people together and caring for them. Even to the end of her earthly days she brought her family together. Ours has always been a close family. We enjoy sharing holidays together, celebrating marriages and births, graduations, and life’s other special moments. We support each other in times of need, difficulty or sadness. The love, tenderness and support this family has shown each other over the past several weeks mirrors the same tenderness, love and kindness Grandma taught us. Over the years our visits meant so much to her that - without fail - every time we left her house – whether few or many – her eyes would fill with tears because her love of family was so great.
As hard as the last few weeks have been, Grandma gave all of us one last parting gift. A gift of togetherness. There were no agendas or places we needed to be. Just family coming together to sit quietly and wait, to chat and learn each others habits – good and bad, to sing grandma’s favorite hymns and tell stories. In celebrating her life the best gift each of us can give her is to continue to gather together and show each other the same love, gentleness, and support we have shared the past weeks in the years to come.
I recently heard someone comment that some people enter our lives and tip toe across our hearts, but others leave lasting footprints. We will cherish grandma’s footprints for our lifetimes.
Just rest your eyes now Grandma. We love you.
No comments:
Post a Comment