An Earthly Goodbye

Today I spoke at Grandma's service. Here is what I shared:

I’m Rachel, and I am one of Bonnie’s granddaughters. A couple of months ago when her health really started to fail, I didn’t know how much time we had left with her. I called and talked to her, and when I hung up I started to cry. There were so many things that I wanted to tell her before she passed, but I couldn’t do it over the phone because I knew I would cry too hard, and Grandma would tell me it was just silly to be crying over her! So, I did what I do best when I’m feeling anxious. I sat down and wrote it all out in a letter to her.

I have revamped the original letter just a bit, but I would like to share it with you today.

Dear Grandma,

There are so many things that I want to tell you, so I hope this letter makes it to you.

I just want to say thank you for being such an incredible grandma. I have been so blessed to have you as a part of my life for 39 years!

You are the strongest, most positive and most patient person I have ever known. I have always aspired to be more like you. You have lived such a full life, and have never wavered in your faith. You have been dedicated to a life of serving God, and praying for your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren daily.

Even when I was little, I wanted to be just like you. I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve been a preschool teacher and now a paraprofessional at an elementary school. I remember thinking it was the best thing ever when you let us go over to the school and spend time in your classroom. You probably secretly wished you didn’t have to be at work on the weekend, but you never showed it! I remember once I was there as the teachers were cleaning out their rooms at the end of the year. You let me take some things home.I had inspirational posters and teaching books. I spent hours teaching my imaginary classroom.

Coming to Chariton was always so exciting. I can remember the build up all week knowing we were coming for the weekend. Saturdays were my favorite because I knew we would have a full day to spend with you. I’d always try to be the first kid up so I would get special one on one time with you. I’d tiptoe down the hallway and then down the stairs, and there you would be sitting at the table with your coffee and reading the newspaper. You would make me whatever I wanted for breakfast…usually French toast. Then the day would be filled with games, chatting, cooking and usually a lot of family filling up the house.

Your house has always been a source of comfort. I absolutely loved coming to visit you and Grandpa in the summers. Getting to spend one or two weeks at a time and getting to be the only child made for some great memories.

I remember making lists of everything I wanted to do, and you worked to make sure they all happened. I loved going to the Chariton and Corydon museums. We took multiple trips to DQ. I remember one year you let me get an Oreo Blizzard every single day. We’d go shopping, and of course have to stop at Piper’s to get a box of mints and some penny candy. I think one of my very favorite memories is the year that I convinced you and Grandpa to take me to Red Haw for a breakfast cookout…and I roasted hot dogs!

There were countless hours at Great Grandma’s house. Heaps of homemade chicken and noodles to make my little heart happy. We’d play “Hide the Cube”, and  games of Monopoly that would go on all week. You always let me buy Boardwalk and Park Place. Sitting and banging on the piano, pretending like we knew how to play. Using a bunch of ingredients in your kitchen to “fake bake” I know I came up with some pretty disgusting concoctions. You always tasted them though. Well…in my 5 year old mind you did. I realized later in life you were an excellent pretender.

I think my very favorite memories were made on the front porch though. Hours were spent out on that swing. I hope I have a place for it one day because I have loved it for so many years. You would sit and listen to stories about my life. You always took interest in each one of your grandchildren. You told me stories from the past and I loved hearing your stories about my Dad as a kid. That porch was made for stories and memories.

But I just want to make sure you know that I could never have asked for a better grandma. Thank you for always being there. For always thinking of us, even as we all grew up and our lives got busy. For always loving us.
 

                                                                          Love always,
                                                                          Rachel

I am happy to say, she received that letter and I was able to visit her 2 times before she passed. The first time she spoke of how proud she was of me. She told me that I’m doing such a good job raising my boys, And she told me how much she loved me. We said our goodbyes, not knowing if we would see each other again.

The second time was a bit different. Life came full circle. She was there to hold me and love me when I was just a couple of days old, and God made it possible for me to be there to hold her and love her through her last couple of days and right up until her final breath on Earth.

She is reunited with so many people that she lost and rejoicing with the Lord now. It’s not a goodbye today, because one day we will meet again. I love you Grandma. Thank you for the memories.