When I think of my grandmother, I think of a woman who was not only beautiful inside and out, but I think of her inner beauty that radiated to everyone she came in contact with throughout her lifetime. I still can't believe she's gone, because her light was so bright I never thought it would fade. The good news is, even though my grandma is now gone, her light still shines and will continue to gleam brightly. She left four beautiful daughters, including my mama, who are here to spread my grandma's legacy of love. These beautiful daughters have children and grandchildren who will never forget my grandma's love and will continue to spread God's love. As a granddaughter, I don't take this legacy of love lightly. This legacy means spreading God's love and never forgetting how much my grandma's faith meant to her and those around her...
I grew up as a little girl who always looked up to and admired my grandma. She was so polite, elegant, and shy, but she made such an impact by saying only a little but always meaning what she said when the timing was right. She wasn't afraid to tell others what she thought, but she did so always in a kind and loving way. Her God was her rock and after my grandpa died when he was only 66 I was amazed at just how much her strength in God carried her through. I admired her faith in God and aspired to be just like her when I grew up.
Being raised as a Christian, I knew how much my family's faith in God meant to not only to me and my family, but to my grandma as well. I felt connected to my grandma not only because of her enduring love and faithfulness to those around her, but because of her faith in God. I always loved talking to her about God and discovering what her latest favorite Bible verse was. We were also always swapping Christian books, especially the historical romance novels. My favorites that we loved to read and talk about were Christy, Julie, and the Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oak. I loved that later we were able to watch the Christy books by Catherine Marshall come to life on television and then years later also watch the Love Comes Softly series as well.
Even though we lived far a part I never felt less close to my grandma. Because of our deep love and connection with God, I always felt an even more intense love and appreciation for my grandma. Whenever I spent time with her I felt closer to my Savior just because my grandma was near. She had the ability to bring the presence of God with her wherever she was. She was always aware of God and His presence and invited Him to be wherever she was. I always thought that was such a beautiful gift and today I too make an effort to think of God's presence wherever I am. She had such a deep faith that radiated from the inside out that touched my soul and everyone around her.
Even months before her passing my Uncle Scott would read the Bible to her, reminding her of God's love. Even though my grandma had Parkinson's I knew that He was taking care of her, and He never left her out of His sight and loving embrace. My grandma knew this as well and often spoke of God's love even though she was nearing the end of her life. I have no doubt that my grandma made an impact on the nurses and caretakers surrounding her in the facility and after she passed away my mama so lovingly told them that my Grandma had Jesus in her heart and accepted God's grace. My grandma never let a moment pass her by without letting someone know about God's love and grace.
I will never forget my grandma and I will never forget her legacy of love. I will continue this legacy by spreading God's love, because that's what she would want me to do. I imagine my grandma now in heaven, with my grandpa and Jesus by her side. They are no doubt enjoying a beautiful day in the meadow talking about all about some of God's great mysteries that we don't yet know on this earth. She's walking the streets of gold and sending her love from heaven to her beautiful daughters who will always remember her lively spirit and journey of love.
Thank you for your legacy of love grandma - I will never forget you and I will love you forever.
