Saturday, May 17, 2008

Her Princess

My Granny passed away on May 2, 2008. You must understand this was the person who kept me until I was school age and who never referred to me by any other name besides Princess. I absolutely adored her and she adored me. Let me be clear - Alzheimers is a nasty thief of a disease. She had been sick for over 10 years, and I grieved the loss of who she was in my life years ago. What I would given to have 10 more minutes with her in "good mind" as I have grown into an adult woman...my how I have longed for her advice and help.

The Lord was gracious to us and she just stopped breathing - she didn't have to suffer anymore and she breathed her last on earth and immediately was in the presence of her blessed Savior. The funeral seemed unlike a funeral and more of a worship service and celebration of her life - a life she lived FULLY with abundant laughter, unmistakeable joy, indescribable peace, and a passion for Jesus. I managed to speak at the funeral, as well as play a song that she always loved to hear me play. (A tough task - but I am glad I did it.)

As we scoured her Bibles with the pastor I was challenged to strive for the authentic faith and relationship with Jesus that she had. I was also struck by the power of the hope we have in Christ Jesus - and how my mind can't comprehend the sadness and grief of those who don't have this hope. This scripture resonates with me at times like this: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God." Job 19: 25-26.

Here are some family pictures that were taken after the funeral service. Some of these of Turner are our favorites of her yet!












1 comment:

The Dyer Family said...

sarah - i did not know that you lost your grandmother so recently - i'm so sorry. i lost my grandmother in the same way, and she was my most favorite person of all time. i know how you feel - it seems like it is time, but you can't even believe it when it actually happens. although i had lost her years before, i was still not prepared to lose her in the here and now. i'm so sorry for your loss.
and turner does look fabulous in every single one of those pictures!!