It is has been a bittersweet day; rejoicing in the fact that she is “kickin it” with Jesus pain free, yet allowing the tears to flow due to the loss of her sweet presence on earth. I will admit that it is hard because I am half way across the world, while the rest of my family is in America. However, I am thankful for those people Papa has placed around me here and glad they all have each other back home.
Birthday card shower for gma in August
Last night, I was sharing with my roommate Debbie about my gma’s health and the great faith she had. When I found out about an emergency surgery she had to have, I simply chose to rest in God knowing that He was in control. What made it easier to do this was knowing that that is exactly what grandma was probably doing: resting in her Maker, knowing that her life was not her own.
the day I left for the World Race Sept. 2010
While I was on the world race, her body was afflicted with some kind of illness. Doctor after doctor, treatment after treatment, the illness remained a mystery for the most part. When I returned home, I remember countless times asking her how she was doing. More often than not, she would tell me that God was in control and she was not her own. She made a decision to stop all the “why” questions and simply rest in God’s goodness. WOW, I was floored by her faith, but then again this is who she was.
Grandma and great granddaughter, Brielle, hanging out
This woman was a mighty warrior; gentle, yet powerful. Whenever she walked into a room, heads turned, people simply wanted to be around her. Her sigh after laughing with a “shoooot”, sense of humor and kindness echoed through the walls. Love simply oozed off of her and it had no bounds. All who knew her can attest to the fact that she knew no stranger; her door was ALWAYS open. Whenever a grandkid would bring over a friend, she treated them as part of the family. She invested in us, poured into us, and kept speaking Jesus over us by her actions, words. Homemade pies, mashed potatoes and noodles, biscuits with sugar, chicken fingers, chocolate dessert, oh my…this woman was one amazing southern cook who decided to bring her ways to the North! Game after card game, sleep over after sleep over, grandma knew how to bring a party! Above all, she was in love with her Maker and longed for others to be romanced by her Creator like she was.
some of the cousins at gma's last fall after unc. danny's funeral
I am thankful to have had such an incredible, powerful role model in my life. She will always play a part in shaping my life. I can’t wait to one day be an incredible grandmother (gma), babushka, abuela like she was! I love you grandma Pat and am eternally grateful for the way you portrayed Jesus! Thanks for being His hands and feet right in your own backyard! We are all blessed, and we will miss you dearly!
Gma and aunt Bev with Kain and Brielle's 4th birthday
”I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now…Come further up, come further in!” C.S. Lewis
