24 September 2015

IN MEMORY

NANNY
October 31st, 1925 - September 22, 2015


In her 90th year, my grandma was healthy and excited about life.
Aside from dealing with sore joints and dry skin, she was in great spirits!
Even the doctors could not believe her age.
- - - This is probably why the news of her passing is so hard to digest.

My grandma lived her final day with JOY in her heart.
She was joking around with people and looking forward to events on her calendar.
No one could have guessed that she would not wake up the next morning.
In faith, we believe that she entered into eternity peacefully as she slept through the night.

Each time a loved one passes, the reality of death seems to intensify exponentially.
When you say good-bye for the first time, you are shocked by the hurt that hits so deeply.
Time and time again, you must put your trust in the Lord!
You really learn how to cherish time with family and friends.
Then, it happens... you must say good-bye once again.
The hurt appears to be deeper because you were trying to "hold-on" so much harder.
Thankfully, in that time, faith can also grow. God is our continual strength!

My grandma was caring, generous, intuitive, and very funny!
The lessons she has taught me will go with me throughout my entire life.
If she wasn't joking around with us, she was doing something to help us out.
While my grandma didn't express a lot of her emotions outwardly, I knew she LOVED me!
She always knew what was needed and had a special way of going about things.
I had a very strong bond with this beautiful lady and will cherish our memories forever.

The saddest thing about death is that you can't really do anything with that person anymore...
I will always miss our wee outings to the bank or Walmart.
Even with her passing, I hope that I can pursue something that we were both interested in.
Maybe genealogy (that was her favourite hobby)...?
Definitely travel!
Possibly curling...
There is even a chance I will keep a stash of our favourite treats hidden in my desk drawer.

I am extremely blessed to have received a lot of her furniture.
It will be a great reminder to see these pieces in my own home one day!
My childhood is full of memories; books in the side table, sleeping on the couch, games at the dining room table, etc.

I will also be placing an "in loving memory" sticker on my new car.
She wanted to be a part of helping me find and pay for a vehicle, so...
Even though she won't ever see the car, it will always remind me of her kindness!

I LOVE YOU NANNY!