Monday, March 24, 2014

In Memory...Mamaw

I cannot say how difficult it is for me to return to blogging after the passing of my grandma.  It just is.  She left this earth a little over a month ago on Saturday, February 22nd, and I have been forever changed.  Besides my mom and sister she was the most influential and important woman in my life.  I still wake up and can't believe Mamaw is really gone.  It was only this past fall that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer...leading to her decline from what seemed to be perfect health.  I rejoice in knowing that she is in Heaven, but am left here on earth with an incredible piece of my heart missing.  I can't wait to be reunited with her one day.  The phrase "heaven is so much sweeter" has a whole new meaning to me.  I have decided to include what I read about her at her funeral.  It's hard to sum up what someone so special means to you in just a few words, but this was what I felt inspired to write.

Mamaw

There are many things that I love about my grandma...her spunk and quick wit, her cooking, her artistic abilities, her devotion to Papaw and her family, her passion for God and unwavering faith...but what I will miss the most will hands down be conversations with her.  Anyone that has been around Mamaw, let’s say at least 5 minutes, will tell you she is a talker.  She is the kind of talker that if you were ever disconnected during a phone conversation with her, it would take her a good minute or two for her to realize that she was alone on the line.  THIS is what I loved most about her.  Not the things she would spoil me with or places she would take me, but the talks with her.  As I sat beside her in the bed on Saturday morning...her phrases and her words began to run through my mind.   I am going to share a few with you that she said more than once to me.

  1. I would often get to go with her on her weekly trips to the thrift store. As soon as we would get in the car she would say, “Here is a wet wipe.  Always clean your hands when leaving the thrift store.”
  2. Her driving was always my kind of driving...quick. When pulling out of a parking space she would often say, “Is anything behind me, except a Mac truck?”
  3. “Help me string these beans.”  She taught me how to do this well, although I was never able to work as fast as her. But this is definitely   was one phrase that was on repeat during the summer.  Papaw’s garden kept us busy.
  4. “Did you know there are 31 chapters in Proverbs?  Since most months have 31 days, it would be a good idea to read a chapter/day.”
  5. While discussing a problem of mine with her she would usually interrupt in the middle of the conversation and say, “Let’s pray about it.” 
  6. “Do you want to go to Tom’s for lunch?  They have the best root beer, burgers, and onion rings.”  She was definitely right about that, too.
  7. Anytime I would ask if she could do anything on a Saturday her reply was always, “You know it’s Saturday and this is the day I study for my Sunday School lesson.”  She took her Sunday School class seriously.
  8. After staying all night with her, in the morning she would often say, “Let’s go down to the church.  I am going to pray.”  Although I’m not sure how much praying she accomplished seeing as I was usually attempting to play the piano the entire time.”
  9. “Always honor your family and let your husband be your leader.” She not only said this to me, but she also lived it out in front of me. 
  10. Lastly, the phrase that meant the most to me was the one she told me the most, “Jessica, I am so proud of you.  I am so glad you love the Lord.”  

As I say goodbye to her here on earth I would like to say those words back to her. “Mamaw, I’m so proud of you.  I could not be more proud to call you “my grandma”.  Thank you for your legacy.  Proverbs 31 defines the virtuous woman...which I happen to think you are the epitome of. In verse 28 it says "her children shall rise up and call her blessed." Today i want to honor you by telling you that you were blessed. You challenged my life and I will forever be changed by you. I love you and can’t wait to meet again soon.”


3 comments:

  1. Praying for you and the family. Loved the ministry of your grandparents. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it blessed my heart. God bless you and continue to do as God has called you to do....

    Pam Prosser

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  2. So precious--Enjoyed your words and how much your grandma meant to you and your sister. Such an amazing woman!

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  3. Love love love this. Yes. She was a precious precious woman of God! This world just seems a little lonelier knowing her and dad aren't here. Looking forward to seeing them both in heaven. :) love you.

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