This is my 100 year old Granny (my mom's mom). She went home to be with Jesus last night, after a long long life. This picture was taken on December 22nd when we had all her family here for a Christmas party. Doesn't she look so sweet? Macy Li ADORES her and will soon be asking "Where Granny go?" Kills me. This past Thursday, we were visiting with her and Macy Li would walk up and grab her hand and Granny would squeeze it, and then Macy Li would say in the loudest voice, "I wanna HUG HER!" So she did several times, and even though Granny was almost completely out of it, she would open her eyes wider and pull her head toward Macy....it was so precious.
This amazing woman lived by herself until she was 91, driving to church, the "beauty-shop," and everything...But she had a stroke that really caused a lot of problems and her health has declined since. My mom and my Aunt Peggy are HEROES for the way they have so lovingly and sacrifically cared for her every single need for these 9 years. No matter what would happen, they were not to be deterred from the calling they felt to care for that woman. There were times I thought that Granny would out-live them because of the toll it took on them, giving every ounce of themselves to her care. I promise, I don't think the queen of England would have been tended to half as well as she was! No wonder she made it to 100!! So "Goggin" and Aunt Peggy: Here's to you for the way you gave and gave...and even gave when you had nothing else left to give. I'm still amazed. I hurt most of all for y'all because there will surely be a huge void left in your hearts.
Well, Granny "Grunt" (long story....I'll tell that later) had 7 children, 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Phillip and I spent the afternoon pouring over almost 300 photos as we were putting together a video tribute to have for the visitation and memorial service and I think I have squalled and bawled my ever-lovin' eyeballs out!!! Macy Li keeps saying, "You okay, Mommy? You okay?"
Later, I'm gonna come back here and share some of the awesome pictures we used in her video...but for now, here's to a great life of 100 years, Granny! We look forward to the day we see you again in heaven! We love you!
31 comments:
I am sorry for the loss of your Granny. What a wonderful and long life she must have had and what an amazing family she has raised. There is something absolutely beautiful about her at the age of 100, what stories and memories every wrinkle could tell! Although we miss them when they are gone, we can look forward to seeing them again in heaven and celebrating eternity together.
Take care of yourself these coming weeks.
I'm sorry, Rhonda, for the loss of your Gram. I know you hold on to God, the Giver of Life, and the faith of seeing her again. It's just such a void here..
God Bless your family as you go thru the grieving process. Hug your Momma and Auntie bunches.
Take care,hollym. bloggy friend of Gwen O.
What an amazing woman! And your mom and Aunt too! So sorry for your loss, but rejoicing at her home going!
I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother, mother and aunt. I'll look forward to seeing more pictures of this special lady on your blog. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your family. Hugs.
What a loving post Rhonda about such precious women in your life. I am so sorry for your family's loss and praise Him for a century of blessings from "Grunt"!
Lifting up prayers from Hong Kong,
Kim
P.S. I wish I had a photo in Hong Kong to share with you of my Great Grandmother (Mattie Lou Owen). She and your "Grunt" look like twins separated at birth. Really, the resemblance is unbelievable!
What a wonderful tribute to your Granny! It sounds like she had an amazing life and was surrounded by those that loved her greatly.
I am so sorry for your loss Rhonda......please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I look forward to seeing the beautiful video you put together in her honor.
Hugs,
Lisa
Rhonda...
So sorry to hear that Granny has passed. I loved seeing her pictures with Maci Li, you could just see the love between them. Bless your Mom and your Aunt for taking such special care of her for all of these years. You have left me in tears with your special words. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am hoping special memories of Granny will carry you all through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Sherry
Ontario, Canada
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman and your Mom and aunt sound pretty amazing! Take care in the days ahead. That sweet Macy Li -- she makes everyone smile, doesn't she!
Janet
I am sitting here crying with you..
I just don't know how to describe GRANDPARENTS... they are the most AMAZING people in your life..
I only have 2 of my Grandparents left and just lost 2 in the last 2 years.. the 2 that helped raised me and were there every single moment.. I still cry but I think of the GREAT memeories..
I am thinking of you my friend..
Love ya tons..
Sooo sorry..
Rhonda,
I am so sorry to hear of your Granny's passing, but am happy to know she is with our Heavenly Father.
If you need anything, remember I am just a drive away!
Hugs my sweet friend!
I'm so sorry to hear about your granny. She looks amazing in that photo and it sounds like she had a special place in her heart for Macy. I will pray for all of you that you always remember the happy memories that you hold in your heart.
Rhonda,
Roanna just called and told me that yours and Jennifer's grandmother passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have someone so special in your life for so long and in Maci Li's life as well!
I, too, am so sorry for your loss. Your Grandma sounds like she was an amazing gal. I love this picture! Sending hugs from Nebraska!
I am sorry for your loss too but you know she is where she needs to be. Take care in the days and weeks to come I am sure it will be hard.
Rhonda, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear Granny. What a blessing to have had so many years of legacy and life to share with the ones she loved. You all made her so proud, I'm sure. Hugs to you while you seek His comfort.
So sorry for your loss. I was priveliged to have met her at the dental office a few times. What a wonderful lady and legacy. Happy for her, but sad for your family. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss, Rhonda. I saw Phillip all dressed up yesterday, but I had no idea where he was going. Please apologize to him for my not sending my condolences. I have always enjoyed seeing Granny's pictures on your blog and reading about how much you love her. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings on your family during this sad time.
Rhonda, I am so sorry to hear that your Granny has passed. I enjoyed seeing the photos of her on your blog. You were so blessed to have her for so much of your life, as were your children. I lost my 95 year old Granddaddy this past year and it is painful. These people are such a wonderful part of our lives. I know you will treasure the time you had with her. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Rhonda,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Granny. My condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru the grieving process. Please take care!
Holly Nguyen
Oops, I published Nancy's comment 3 times, so I had to go back and remove two....EXHAUSTED!
But thank you everyone for your precious words and emails that have been such a source of strength!
Rhonda, my 103 year old grandmother, Lou Lou, died just before Thanksgiving so I know the sense of loss that you and your family are feeling. I will be praying for all of you and especially for your mom as I know that this will be hard for her. Take care and blessings, Kathy
i'm so sorry for your loss! even after 100 years, it's never the right time to let someone go. one of my greatest fears is about the day i have to say goodbye to either of my grandmothers. my heart is broken for your family, but i'm also smiling at the thought of granny in Heaven with her King - totally healed and healthy! and the fact that even if given the choice, we all know where she'd choose to stay.
i wish i had the words to comfort y'all, but i am definitely praying for Him to wrap a blanket of grace and peace around your family. thinking about all of you this week!
jill
Oh, I am so sorry. I know your heart must ache. What a blessing to have had her in your life for so long...and what a blessing that she and Macy Li were friends. Those pictures from Christmas were so dear and I know that you all will treasure them and the many memories you have.
Oh Rhonda! I am so sorry for your loss of Granny. I personally LOVED seeing her in your photos and interacting with Macy Li. What a huge loss. Please know my prayers are with you and your family.
Jill
Oh I am so sorry to hear this but wow...what a blessed life she had and how she touched all of you so deeply. Rejoicing with you the day you are with her again!
Rhonda,
I'm sooo sorry. You all are in my prayers and i know how hard it is, but time does help. I know that at the time it dont feel like it will but time does help. Also Steven Curtis Chapman's song With Hope
REALLY REALLY helps.
Your in my prayers,
Sarah Woods
Rhonda -
just read the post about your Grandmother. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that little Macy Li got to meet her and hug her. Keep her memory alive with all those photos! Take care. Love, Michelle
Oh, Rhonda... I am so sorry about your sweet, precious Granny's death. I know she is with Jesus, but we still grieve for those who have gone on ahead. The difference is we don't grieve as those do who have no hope. Thank goodness for Jesus!
My Granny (yes, my mother's mother was a Granny, too) is there as well. She died at 97, and she had a story very similar to your Granny's... strokes affected her short term memory. I miss Granny every day, but I'm so grateful for the Christian witness she was in my life. She gave me my first Bible and taught me the 23rd Psalm among other things, and she loved me so unconditionally that I think the Lord is the only one who could have possibly loved me more! :-)
Sending you warm hugs across the miles and praying that the Lord holds you especially close and comforts you as only He can during this time, you precious girl, you!
Love,
Sheila XOXOXO
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