Goodness. It’s been almost a week since I made a trip back to my hometown to see my almost 99-year-old Granny who was going to be meeting Jesus soon. I knew it was a trip to say goodbye to her. At least on this side of Heaven. I thank God for being able to say goodbye and I thank Him for telling me “you need to leave now!” I moved out of state this past summer and Granny wasn’t happy about it. I was the first one to move away from her and I know it was mostly because she was worried about my children and I being far from home. Of course, she knew we had to embark on our adventure and was proud of us. As her time on earth started to fade away, my family kept wondering what/who she was waiting for. I was able to head home earlier than planned and made it just in time. I told her we were happy, we were all doing well and we liked Kentucky. Sure enough, 10 hours later she met Jesus face to face!
She lived a wonderful life overflowing with love for others and faith in Jesus. She believed in hard work and she worked hard every day of her life. She was humble, kind and genuine. She had a grateful heart full of thanksgiving.
She was feisty and always told you the truth even if it wasn’t nice but you knew she was being honest. Ya know how people say “kids say the darndest things!”? Well, Granny said the darndest things. She didn’t hold anything back but she was real with you. If she felt it or thought about it, you knew it.
Her life wasn’t always easy but maybe that’s why she was full of grace, love, and wisdom. She outlived 3 husbands, 4 kids, and grandchildren. She was the last of her siblings and many other friends that went before her. She lived through the Great Depression and many other hardships her generation was faced with. She worked hard for what she had and provided for her 8 kids the best she could. Her life was extraordinary not because she was wealthy and lived an extravagant life but because she was humble, she loved and was genuine. Her kitchen table was always open and overflowing with care, love, and food. Her faith was amazingly strong and I never knew her faith to waver.
There were many times I cried at my granny’s kitchen table, told her all of my problems, told her about life, good and bad and ate my fair share of chocolate cake. She always had the best advice and knew the right words to say. Sometimes words couldn’t fix anything but her presence alone could make any problem disappear and make all things right in the world. After all, if she could go through all the waves of life that she did, I could do it too. I can only strive to do it as awesome as she did. There was always love and forgiveness at that table and never any judgment.
Even though there won’t be any more talks at the kitchen table with the wisest person I’ve ever known, the memories and her legacy will live on. She gave me her best during my worst years, during the years I struggled to find who I am as a person and finding my way back to God. She was a big part of shaping me into who I am today and I am thankful for the 30 years I was blessed to have with such an amazing woman at her kitchen table.
It’s not about what you have but about what you have to offer that truly matters. The time spent at my Granny’s table is far more important than materials, money, and gifts. Even though she did buy me a really awesome pair of cowboy boots that must have started an uncontrollable shoe collection. Sorry, I just wanted to make you laugh!
Here is to (attempting and probably failing) living a life filled with all the wonderful qualities that made up my Granny!
Xoxo,
Collective Circle Gathering 