Love You Grandma

Because of her, 6 children, 20 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren thus far have come into this world.

She taught me how to decorate cakes, gave me tips on sewing, and always had excellent recipes to pass on and a cookie or piece of cake to share.  Hearing about her life as a young mom is refreshing to me.  How many women could have stood up under the pressure of having 6 children by 25, feeding 5 hungry boys and a girl with very little money, and using cloth diapers, glass bottles, and a clothes line?  She was a pioneering work-at-home mom, sewing wedding dresses, prom gowns, and clothing for people and decorating cakes as a way to earn extra money, even though she only had an 8th grade education. 

She's not expected to live beyond today.  At age 69, her health problems have taken a toll and a fall last week caused a brain hemorrage and the doctors are saying there is nothing they can do.

Though she's lived 1,000 miles away from me most of my life, she has always had a wonderful presence in our family and in our memories.  I will miss her cheerful smile and laugh and the way she delighted in people and loved her family.

I'm so thankful for the comfort of knowing that she is going to be with Jesus and that this life is not the end.

This song's lyrics bring me comfort today:

It is not death to die,

To leave this weary road,

And midst the brotherhood on high

To be at home with God.

It is not death to close

The eye long dimmed by tears,

And wake, in glorious repose,

To spend eternal years



Update:
As of today, Wednesday, Grandma is still hanging on to life in spite of what doctors have said. She may be allowed to do hospice care at home today and leave the hospital.  We don't know how much time she has left but we pray for God's will to be done in it all.  Thanks for your kind words and prayers!