Tuesday, April 7, 2009

A Beautiful Passing, A Life Well Lived



Sorry to be a bit m.i.a. We've been adjusting to community living (it went from 4 people living in this house to 10--including 5 kids ages six and under!) And yesterday my grandma passed away. So I wanted to share a little bit here just to honor her.



She passed away yesterday with my mom and my grandpa by her side. When it became apparent that she only had a few minutes/hours left, my mom called my aunt so she could say goodbye over the phone. Then she quickly called each of us 5 grandchildren. She held the phone up to my grandma's ear so we could each talk/sing/say good-bye to her. The oldest of us grandchildren lives in China. They couldn't reach her by phone so they sent her an email which she read right away though it was the middle of the night over there. She called my mom's cell phone and got to say goodbye to Granny. Less than a minute later, Granny passed away. God gave her a chance to hear us all before she left. It was very sweet.




My sister and I hopped in the car and drove an hour to see her. We sat next to her and sifted through her Bible which was full of notes, underlines, cards, and letters she'd written to God. In the front she'd written Psalm 71:18 -- "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."




And, true to my grandma's personality, amidst all the notes and underlined verses, inside the front cover of her Bible she had the phone number for Crime Stoppers written on a post-it note. (I guess just in case all the trusting and faith in God didn't work out) ; ) She was funny. She lived, loved, served, played piano, sang, wrote, taught, and died well. And we'll miss her.

6 comments:

Kerri Ankenman said...

My grandma died shortly after hearing a song I'd written for her telling her it was ok to go home to Jesus. It was a humbling and touching moment. I know what a blessing it is to have grandparents who left a legacy of love and taught me about God's love.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Granny, but from everything I have heard she was a wonderful lady. We're praying for all of your family...

Kris said...

Sorry to hear about your Grandma, Grandmas are very special people, and are truly missed when they are gone...
On another note...
I LOVE my print! Dwight gave it to me for our 5th anniversary. I already have it framed are ready to hang up when we get home!

Daniel Smyth said...

Arian, it's been so incredible to read about your grandma. What a beautiful story. Hope you guys are doing ok.

Dani said...

I am very sorry for your loss. Take care. Dani

Heidi said...

So sorry for your loss, but glad for your wonderful memories of your grandma. This is a lovely tribute.

Dorothee-Maria said...

I feel sorry for your loss, but I really feel the love that your granny had given to you. Your thoughts are incredibe warm.
I'm sure she 's still with you, in a way. And very proud.