I was richly blessed to have had a wonderful grandma. My
grandma was the glue that kept our family together. She made every holiday
memorable, sleepovers special, and visits delicious. I remember going to her
house and always seeing yummy treats of some sorts. Treats ranged from candy to
cakes an homemade pies. My grandma was the best pie maker I’ve ever known. If
my brother and I were ever in trouble with our parents and our punishment was
no dessert, my grandma would work her magic to have our punishment changed.
Christmas
at my grandma’s house was beyond amazing. She had a piano room that would be
filled from floor to ceiling every year with gifts from everyone. The most special gifts were the ones she made
us. She was a talented knitter, seamstress, baker, cook and organ player.
My grandma
was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. She had a
mastectomy in one breast and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. I can still
remember when she lost her hair due to the chemo. She insisted on wearing this
beautiful white wig most days. She remained positive and strong through all her
sickness and treatments. After a year to treatments we believed she was in
remission. This, however, was not God’s will for her. The doctors found that
the cancer had spread into the other breast. Chances of remission were slim to
none and less than a painful and tearful year later on November 26, 1996, my
grandma went home to be with the Lord.
The life my
grandma led taught me so much about the woman I want to be. She taught me:
·
Always put God first
·
Stay strong no matter what the circumstance- you
can get through anything with God on your side
·
Family is important. Always keep family close
and be there for them when needed
·
It’s never God’s fault- Like Job my grandma
refused to blame God for her sickness and other ups and downs in life. She
always gave God the praise even in the toughest of times. She knew that God had
a plan for her and His plan was always perfect.
·
Always respect and treat your spouse right. When
I was 16 I came across a tape of her speaking at a woman's conference about
marriage. Her advice resonates with me today as I enjoy my marriage and family.
·
Be yourself
·
You’re beautiful no matter what. She went bald
due to chemo and was still just as beautiful as she was when she had a head
full of gorgeous white locks.
·
She taught me funny stuff like blow your nose on
your sleeve (this was taught to 5 year old me) and passing gas when you
exercise is normal when you get older. You just laugh it off keep on
exercising.
My grandma was such an amazing woman of God. I
am blessed and better for having had her for the 9 short years of the beginning
of my life. Even though she is gone from this earth, she is still watching from
above. I know I will never stop learning from her. I love and miss the
incredible woman I still call Grandma Jean. Happy Mothers Day Grandma Jean. You
are incredibly missed and always loved.
