A Tribute to Grandma
Last December, I said goodbye to my Grandmother. I find such a peace in knowing that she loved Jesus and that she’s standing by His side right now, drawing breath, walking, smiling, and enjoying peace in heaven with Him. Knowing that has been such a rock through a really sad goodbye.
I think this goodbye is special because our relationship was closer than most. Though she hasn’t been as much herself in the past couple of years, she was still strong, so kind, and showing us love in the ways that she could.
During her lifetime, my Grandma did not take her roles as mom or grandmother lightly. She was truly there for us, willing to tell us what’s what, and always serving as a support. She was honest with you. She didn’t shy away from sharing her thoughts, and through all of it, she would love. No matter what you did, she loved you.
Memories
I have treasured memories of my childhood days spent with her. She and Grandpa had a 5th wheel trailer set up every summer at “Grandma’s Lake,” as we called it. We would travel to this far-away, wonderful land where we enjoyed the small bunk beds to sleep in, hot lunch cooked on the grill, paddle boats, mini golf, swimming and sand castles.
I remember the drive so clearly. It’s as if the anticipation of what was to come made the drive extra special. We’d get off the fast-way and curve around and around until we came under the bridge to enter the extraordinary land at the end of the road. In reality, this drive was only 30 minutes away, and the curved road was a frontage road off the interstate. But as a child, it all seemed so magical.
My Grandmother and Grandfather gave us this experience in our childhood! My cousins, my sister, and I could share in these adventures with them. I hope to be a grandparent like this!
I have many more memories of time spent with Grandma;
birthdays, shopping, sleep-overs, concerts, dinner boats, trips out of state....
She was a steady presence and support to her grandchildren. The time we spent together left an imprint on my heart that I carry with me today. When my children were born, she spent time with each of them as she could. I will cherish these memories the rest of my life.
What matters the most
Of the many things we did, I remember her passion for following after the Lord. She wanted us to know Him too. I believe her perspective was eternal, and it showed in the conversations she would have with me.
I hope one day, when I have grandchildren of my own, I can be a loving and purposeful in my role as mom and grandma; Mom to my adult children and their spouses someday and Grandma to their babies. I can’t quite imagine it yet. In order to become when I dream of tomorrow, I need to prepare today.
I can choose to be loving and purposeful in my children’s lives today.
I can choose to be intentional and loving in my marriage with Tim today.
I can choose to seek after the Lord today, and let tomorrow come in His will.
I will surely miss my Grandmother. She was a rock. She acted on her beliefs and loved her children. She left behind a heritage, and I’m a part of that heritage. May I continue the legacy in my own life and pass it on to the lives of my children and their children to come.
I love you Grandma. I can’t wait to see you again someday soon!
Do you ever think about the future generations beyond your children? What do you want to impart to them? Please comment below or send me a message. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Keep walking friend,
Christina
