A Tribute to My Grandma

Today was a hard day.

My grandma went home to be with the Lord.

My grandma loved her family with all her heart, which took a big heart because there certainly are a lot of us! She was always overjoyed to have visitors, and always tried to be present in our lives in every way she could. She always made sure to attend birthday parties, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and any holiday that she could. She did her best to not miss out on anything if she could help it. Whenever it was time to leave, she would always say "Come and visit still" because she loved us all.

My grandma had an amazing green thumb. Her gardens were always so full of beautiful blooms for as long as I can remember. She lovingly tended her gardens for as long as she was physically able to do so. She kept them neat and free from weeds, and oh how they would flourish in her care. She also enjoyed watching birds and kept her feeders filled so that she could enjoy seeing them go to and fro.

My grandma was a woman of a great many talents. She cross stitched so many beautiful pieces over the years. The past several years, she made amazing cross stitched ornaments to give as Christmas gifts. She also made baby blankets to welcome new babies into the family with as a beautiful heirloom. In recent years, she took to diamond dot paintings too. Even though she needed a magnifying glass to see the symbols, she kept herself busy creating art in some form or fashion.

When I think about my grandma, I think of how deep her faith in God was. There were very few times that she didn't speak of her faith in God. She spoke of trusting God and keeping the faith often. She didn't just regularly attend church, she lived out her faith. She knew Jesus as her savior, and that knowledge brings me comfort. I know she is with Jesus in paradise, and I will see her again someday. Until that day, we will keep her in our hearts, treasure the memories we made with her, and the gift of the time that we had with her.