Monday, February 28, 2011

Something Good Happened

My step-grandmother's memorial service was this past Saturday. I got to know her a little better than I had known her in life. She was an incredible woman. She was kind, with a big heart, she knew how to be content, she loved being a wife and mom, she loved to read. If I am even half the woman she was, I will have succeeded in life. She is truly one of my role models. A neat thing: she took dance from Martha Graham, one of the modern dance pioneers. How awesome is that?

Something that particularly struck me was something my step-grandfather said when he was saying a few words at the family gathering before the memorial service. He was talking about how they met. "She was divorced, and I was divorced, and when we met, something good happened." That really gives me hope for my future. And I think that Grandma is glad I found that. Her whole life story just inspires me.

So much that her children shared during the service touched my heart. How my uncle started his remarks with "Life is unfair. You didn't get to have my mother as your mother" Or my step-mom talking about how much Grandma loved her son who was born with Down's, and felt that he truly brought their family together. My grandma's heart was so big, so welcoming. My step-mom shared with me that Grandma really loved that she and I shared a love of reading. After the memorial service,  I found myself sitting in her corner, reading. I thought it was very fitting.

You will be missed, Grandma, but I know you are doing a great work on the other side!


10 comments:

  1. Stopping early from the SITS Cocktail Party!

    She sounds like she was an amazing woman.

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  2. Your Grandma sounds like an amazing lady...so special.
    you have a great way with words.
    jill

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  3. Awwww, sounds like you take after your grammy :) I really have been convicted lately about the beauty of grief. It is not an easy, unpainful process, but it sure is beautiful. Give yourself permission to grieve girl, an when the time comes, then rip those weeping clothes off and sing with songs of joy.

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  4. How beautiful. I think one of the most important things after someone dies is the memories we get to possess. Nothing can take those away or taint them. They are just beautifully yours.

    Lovely thoughts Rachy.

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  5. your grandma sounds like she was a truly beautiful woman. Thanks for sharing her with us.

    --Mel

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  6. love your memories..how much we can learn from the lives of others. Value the things you have that are like her. so happy you were encouraged:)
    xo

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  7. This post just strikes my heart because of my semi-recent loss of my own grandmother. Seriously, God knew what He was doing when He put grandmothers in our lives, yes? I pray that your memories stay close to your heart and that He continues to teach you through her goodness and grace.

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  8. the love i felt from your post today brought tears to my eyes. thank you for sharing.

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  9. How special. The beauty of our ancestors urges us to live more simply and with great love. I love it when God crosses paths and good things happen.

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  10. what a blessing that she inspired you and you inspire others with your words ...

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