Just Shy of a Century...

I'm not sure I know how to write today's post. My great grandmother passed away last night. I know for a fact that I can't say anything that would do her life and legacy justice. My thoughts and emotions are about as scattered as they could be, so I apologize if my words turn into incoherent ramblings. But I'm going to try, and I don't think Granny will hold it against me. She never held anything against anyone.

Carrie McWilliams (known to us grandkids and great grandkids as Granny Mac) blessed this earth with her presence for 96 years! How could I possibly attempt to convey the fullness of such a long life? Just pondering the changes she witnessed during those decades is incredible. Think about it - she was around for both World Wars, and she saw the progression from telegrams to email! One of my favorite moments with her was during this past Christmas when we introduced her to Skype. Four generations of my family spent time together for the holidays despite the ocean between us.

I remember her amazed reaction when she found out that we were talking to her from England.

She lived through almost a century of changes, but a few things remained the same. Namely, her love for her Savior, her devotion to her family, and the sparkling wit that she used to make the rest of us smile. I'll always recall her humor and the hilarious one-liners that she whipped out of nowhere. In recent years, I think that most of the time she was only pretending to be hard of hearing. I suspect it was her strategy for finding just the right moment to invoke bursts of laughter with the smallest comment.

She was an amazingly strong woman, but simultaneously tender and compassionate. For twenty-some-odd years after her husband passed away she carried on day by day, but I doubt she ever muttered a complaint. Even when she was the one who needed taking care of, she desperately wanted to make sure that she wasn't inconveniencing anyone. I can only hope to aspire to her level of sweetness in disposition.

I cannot express how thankful I am for the example of faithfulness that she set before me. A couple of years ago, my dad was staying at home with her while my grandparents were out of town. Later that night, after she had gone to bed, my dad heard a noise coming from her bedroom. He thought maybe she had left her television on, but when he quietly walked down the hall, he realized it was Granny talking. She was praying out loud, pouring her heart out to Jesus, thanking Him for her family one name at a time. I cried when my dad told me that story the first time, and I'm bawling my eyes out now. But, it's a happy cry. What a blessing to belong to such a line of believers! I am overcome with joy and anticipation looking forward to the day that I see her again. I'm confident that she is now making up for lost time with Mac (her husband), but he better be ready to share her when I get there. There's still a treasure trove of lessons left for me to learn from her. How grateful I am for the hope and gift of eternal life that will reunite us with the loved ones we've lost! Thank You, Jesus.

My heart aches most for my Grandpa Jim because he is Granny's son. And no matter how old you get, your mom is still your mom. With Mother's Day around the corner, I know that the loss will be extra raw. But, I know he will carry her heart in his forever. Plus, he's sassy like she was, so that part of her will always be with him.

How great is this old photograph of Carrie and her son? Can't you just see the mischief in his eyes?

They had a special bond, and I'm lucky to have seen it.

I thank the Lord for the parent-child relationships that have been passed down within my family. Not many people can say that, and I am humbled to benefit from the love that's modeled before me daily. Although Granny has gone on, and that makes us miss her terribly, she wouldn't want us to be sad. Sounds cliché, but I know it's true because I knew her. And it was impossible to be sad when you were with Granny - she was filled with too much joy.

So, Granny, I love you. I miss you, and I know everyone else does too. Forever I will cherish the moonstone ring you gave to me when I graduated from high school. It was the ring you received when you were the valedictorian of your class. Forever I will indulge my sweet tooth like you did. Dessert was your favorite part of the meal, and you outlived a lot of health nuts. There's gotta be something to that dietary philosophy! Forever I'll remember how much you enjoyed pedicures, Steak 'N' Shake, Wheel of Fortune, and getting your hair done. Those are a few of my favorite things too. And finally, I will probably always regret that I didn't spend more time at your side, asking questions and listening to the stories of your life. But fortunately, this is not goodbye. I'll see you later. You were too gracious to acknowledge how much you accomplished and what a family you had established, but I'd say you have earned some serious bragging rights. I pray that all those saints and angels are giving you the homecoming party you deserve. Love you bunches!