As a family, for as long as I can remember, we have gone to Fairfield, North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad's family. We drive down 64/264 until we hit the water and then turn left at the only light in the county. We'd always park in Uncle Floyd's yard, but after unloading our luggage into the house, we'd go see Grandma. We'd hug and then sit on her couch while she'd offer us food, drink or knitting/crocheting tools and supplies. We'd then knit or crochet until dinner when we all waked over to Uncle Floyd's for spaghetti. (Aunt Bobby cooks THE BEST spaghetti in the world.) Next day we'll help set up the tent in the back yard for the pigpickin'. We always watched "Hook" while there for Thanksgiving. Don't know why.
I have random snips of memories at Grandma's house. Baking sough dough bread with her and she put her rings on her glasses. Anticipating the chicken andnoo noos that were cooking on the stove. Taking naps and when we'd move around, she'd just put her hand on our feet and we knew better than to move. Learning to crochet and knit. Learning songs like "My Mommy Told Me Something" and "In the Boarding House" and singing them around the piano until we were out of breath. Trying to learn to play the piano. On Sunday morning, we'd go to Grandma's room she'd let us pick a perfume - only one, mind you - that we got to wear. Grandma calling me "dear heart." Learning how to correctly wrap presents at the kitchen table. These are memories that I will always hold dear.
My Dad's mother had cancer just after my Dad was born and has been suffering with it again for the last two years. She has been deteriorating for a long while. Last weekend, Dad, Ash, Mike, David, and I went down to see Grandma for what we assumed was the last time we'd see her on this side of Heaven. I am sad to say that I was rather reluctant to go. I knew it might be the last time, but I didn't want to remember her like that. She doesn't do much any more; She pretty much just its and then moves to another chair. She hasn't done any of the things she loves in awhile. Well, I'm really glad I went. It was the last time I saw her on this earth, but not the last time I'll see her.
On Thursday morning Mom woke me up with the news that Grandma had gone to be with the Lord. While I was/am sad, I cannot help but think of her new life. During her funeral I got this picture of Grandma playing piano with Christ. Now in a glorified body that has no more pain and troubles, she is baking away for the wedding feast, singing with the Christians who have gone before her. Spending time in the presence of her Creator and Savior. I miss her, but I almost don't feel like she's gone. It's like she just moved away and I'll see her soon, since we'll be moving there too. I hope everyone understands what we have to look forward to in Heaven. If spending eternity with the Lord isn't enough, we get to create, to sing with those who have gone before. I am so excited for the day when I get to meet Peter, Mary, Paul, not to mention the sibling who I never got to meet. Most of all, I cannot wait to stand before my Righteous Lord and have Himdeclare me as one of His own. What a glorious day. I pray you all hope for Heaven as I do.
When Tears Are in Your Heart
- by Doris Butt
When tears are in your heart,
and you cannot understand
why some tragedy befell you
just take Jesus by the hand.
He will help you to accept it
tho He may not tell you why
He has allowed this thing to happen
that brings teardrops to your eye.
So put your trust in Jesus.
Keep your eyes upon His face.
He'll help you through your trouble,
and He'll save you by His grace.
Live in light of eternity.
(Here are some pictures from the weekend. The funeral, lunch hosted by the church, and then a compilation of images of Grandma over the years.)
