I was honored to spend the past month and a half with Grandma as she embarked upon the journey. A journey of preparing for her separation from her earthly vessel. It felt like the world was accelerating outside of the walls that held Grandma’s last precious moments. Yet it also felt as though each minute of the day was deliberately ticking by, like lazy snowflakes on a still Winter’s day, allowing each of us to celebrate her life in our unique way. Collectively, we cried, laughed, hugged, shared stories, took turns reading Grandma her daily devotionals, sang, and sat in silence.
One thing that came to mind as I sat next to Grandma, holding her hand, was that although only one person Grandma was passing, I was witnessing how the mourning process was different for each of us. This comforted my heart because I realize that no two people had the same relationship with Grandma, and it was the loss of that specific relationship that was being mourned. This vision opened my heart so that I might comfort not only myself but those around me.
Just hours before she passed, Carrie, her assigned CNA came to the house to check on grandma. Carrie sat beside her and sang Psalms 101 as she caressed her face. With tears streaming down her cheeks, Carrie looked at mom and I and said that Grandma was such a precious woman. She said, “Every time I have come to care for Phylane, she would pray for me.” Even in her weakest moments, the strength and love that my Grandmother’s heart held for others and for God truly impacted my heart, t.his reminded me of a saying that I had heard.
“The Impact Of One Life.”
When a stone is dropped into a lake, its impact leaves behind a series of ripples that broaden
and reach across the water. In the same way, the impact of one life lived for Christ will leave
behind an influence for good that will touch the lives of many others.
I will be heading back to Oregon on Sunday the 17th. After some adjusting, I will be back in the swing of things and provide you all with some delicious and nutritious recipes. I can’t even begin to thank each of you enough for the love and support that you have granted me. You gave me a grace period to fully concentrate on my family… you gave me the greatest gift.
I also want to thank my sweet, loving, and supportive husband, Bob. He held the fort down in my absence, handled Nouveauraw tech support, and cradled my heart with all the love and support that I needed. We must have talked 10x a day while we were apart. Regularly, he would call to sing to my grandmother on speakerphone. Those were some of the most tender moments that I will forever have etched into my heart. I feel so blessed! I feel overwhelmed with blessings (that’s a good feeling to have hehe)
Have a blessed day, love and hugs, amie sue
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May her memory be eternal.
Amen Linda :)
How blessed you are to have had those special last days with your grandmother. How blessed you and your family are to have her share Christ with you. I love the quote “The Impact of One Life.” It is so very true. It’s amazing how God works to spread His Word through one life that has given their all to Him. I lost my 92 year old grandma (birthday Nov 11th) in June after months of illness as well. These are days we will cherish and never forget. Thank you for sharing the wonderful moments with all of us because you are also spreading His Word. You are one of the ripples.
Thank you, D… your words sung a song to my heart. We truly are blessed and will cherish all the memories that were discovered and made. Thank you for sharing with me about your grandmother. We all play an import part in this world of ours, may we all be open-minded, soft in heart, and ready to serve when the moment calls. Blessings to you and may comfort warm you. blessings, amie sue
Dear Amie Sue,
Your post touched me and made me cry from my heart… Oh, what a blessing you received through this experience with your Grandma that even I have been blessed…
Oh, what a faith and love!
Thank you for sharing!
Your message greatly warms my heart Natalya… thank you for such kind and heart-felt words. It truly was a blessed time and I am so thankful that I was able to be there for her and my loved ones. blessings to you, amie sue
Thank you for sharing these intimate times with grandma. It truly is healing to read this and is a blessing to me all the way in San Diego. I am at a lost for words and can only say that grandma, your family, and you are greatly loved. Thank you Jesus for your salvation.
Good evening Gene, healing and blessings are not bound by distance. Your unspoken words are received and felt Gene. Thank you. :) The time spent here with Grandma and my family has been such a gift. I have been given the grace and assurance to take on each day moving forward with gratitude and strength. blessings to you, amie sue
My prayers are with you and your family, I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandma. May Gods Love comfort and protect you and your whole family and put his arms around all of you.
God Bless
Thank you so much Jeanette. I appreciate those comforting words. hugs, amie sue :)
Amie Sue, My condolences on the passing of your grandma. We learn so much for our elders and they are such a blessing in our lives. May your heart be filled with more comfort from your memories than sadness with her loss. God Bless you and your family.
You are so correct Joan. There is so much to learn from our elders. I have always cherished the moments when we sat around and shared stories from decades ago. My grandfather is surviving grama and just last night we sat around the table and he shared about his education and all the mischievous things that they did back then. I was so loving it! I will miss grandma’s presence but I am filled with joy and peace. This time spent with her and surrounding loved ones was something I will never forget or take for granted. :) blessings to you, amie sue
My condolences may she rest in Heaven.
Thank you Allison :)
Dearest Amie-Sue you have blessed us with this time of sharing with you and your family. We must remember what a blessing we all are to each other. Safe trip home and I’m sure there are some angel wings that will accompany you. Be sure to give Bob a hug from all of your followers. Much love.
Oh thank you Annie. Trust me, I never take my blessings for granted. I see them unfold daily in so many unique ways. It brings such a joy to heart. I will be passing hugs around in your name. :) blessings, amie sue
Greetings Amie Sue,Condolences regarding the passing of your grandmother and May she make a very peaceful transition.
Thank you so much Dawud, that means a lot. :) blessings, amie sue
Thank you for everything in this post, which is so characteristic of how you relate to others;
light, warmth, connection, peace.
You are deeply loved.
Kate
Oh, thank you, Katharine… your comment here touched my heart. I appreciate your love. hugs and blessings to you. amie sue
Dear Amie Sue, my sincere condolences! They enjoyed a wonderful time with a wonderful people. Be thankful from the heart !!!
A quote that should give you comfort.
You are not dead,
You only change the rooms.
You live in us and go through our dreams.
(Michelangelo)
Thank you so much Rita. I feel such peace but I will always miss her. I appreciate your comforting words. hugs and love, amie sue