My Grandma Died

My grandma died yesterday. It was very quick and peaceful. I was able to be there with her, which is what I had hoped for.

She lived a wonderful life and died a wonderful death, with her family around her.

Our new pastor and many people from the church have also come by, called and emailed, and we are very grateful for that - as well for the many friends and family who have checked in these last few weeks.

The theme that has continually come up during my time with her is her grace and compassion towards everyone. I saw her be so sweet and kind with every person she came in contact with. Everyone in the hospital loved her. I know she felt so awful and yet she was never in a bad mood or foul with anyone.

I told our church secretary that the story of my grandma's life was caring about everyone else. Even in her final days, she was constantly asking about everyone, with so much care and compassion. And I was told when one of our church members came to pray with her, she asked her to pray for me because she was worried about me and the kids.

We have enjoyed the time singing hymns, reading from the Bible, reading poetry and listening to my dad's music - and of course, talking about everything. It is time that can never be replaced and I am so glad that we had it.

She loved all of us so much and I feel so grateful to have had such a wonderful grandma. In one of our talks alone she told me that she felt like she had a big role in raising us. And I agreed with that. She said, you had a rough run with things. And I told her I didn't think I could have made it through without her.

Nano always had a very strong feeling of right or wrong. However, I have to say that I have made some choices in my life that must have grated against every grain in her being. She never tried to control or sway me. She always respected and loved me through every phase of my life. And she never rubbed anything in my face.

I often think that you don't fully appreciate your family until you have your own children. And I have often guessed at the sacrifices she made for me, and I'm sure I will never begin to know the extent of everything she did. Because a true sacrifice is never advertised. It is just what you do for your family so that their life can be better. And all of us are better for my Nano.