My grandparents have lived in Bella Vista, AR since I was like 3! My grandfather past away about 2 years ago...and about 2 weeks (July 20) before we moved here my Grandmother past away. She has been in very poor health for the past few years to this was a relief for her and for everyone who loved her. However, we were looking forward to living in the same town with her. Lawson (on her own accord) had told me she wanted to have a set after school snack date with her once a week! Her memorial service was the second weekend we lived in Bentonville.
I did not get to spend a ton of time with my grandparents growing up because they did not live close to us. However, each time we were together must have been special because I feel like I have a lot of memories!
I have always been blessed by their example and the way they lived their lives...an example so strong it resonated loudly to me....despite how many miles and how much time separated our visits. My grandparents loved God and lived in a way that showed that on the outside. They served faithfully at their church using their natural giftings...my Grandma making cookies for church gatherings and being a wonderful hostess. My grandfather using his business skills to help with building projects and financial matters. They loved on and visited those who were sick. They were certainly the hands and feet of Christ showing real and tangible love to their friends. They were like stand out volunteers to the local Helping Hands store for the numerous years they volunteered.
They were good stewards of everything they owned. It seemed like they always had the nicest of things....but I think it was just that everything just became better once they owned it. They would buy something used and then "clean it up" and it would seem better than new. They were hard workers...kept their home, cars, and yard all immaculate! Their things seemed to never wear out!
They fully enjoyed life...spent their late years in life travelling the word, playing tennis, bird watching and square dancing! They never missed any of their 8 grandkids, or children's birthdays...always calling and sending cards.
They were very strong...both together and individually. The last year of their lives were very difficult. They were both plagued with unrelenting health issues. They took turns spending time in hospitals and rehab hospitals. They had to hire help for around the house as they could no longer take care of themselves without assistance. They were in pain and they were often lonely. I was only able to visit them a handful of times during their late years...but they would always want to spend most of the time asking me questions about how things were with me. They would always smile and often joke about their condition. My grandfather died about 2 years before my grandmother. I was amazed at how she carried on without him after being married to him for over 70 years! Not an easy thing to do.
The pic above was taken of my grandmother about 2 days before she died. She was under hospice care and hadn't eaten in several days. She was in pain, weak, and knowing the end was coming...yet she is smiling! It is apparent to me that she did not find her ultimate joy in her circumstances but in the hope she had in her Savior...the One who gives rest to the weary!
I shed several tears at her funeral...but not tears of sadness that she is gone ....she is in a much better place(although I will miss her her)...but tears of joy as I reflected on the amazing legacy of faith and the strong example she left behind to me. I love you, Grandma!
My parents have been helping clean out their home and my mom sent me the following pics she found at their house. Fun memories!
My little multi-tasker! Holding her cup and her brother's at the same time WHILE watching TV! She has got it going on!
Oh what a
fun busy Christmas this was! Check my little man Hudson out...holding Baby Brooklyns paci in her mouth! He is barely 2 himself! He was feelin her...knew just what she needed!
