My children were blessed with all four Great-Grandmas. When Mason had his 4th birthday party, he said he wanted all the great grandmas to sit together: Grandma Hobbs, Grandma Tay, Grandma Joyce, Mae Mae, and can't forget Aunt Vert. They had sat together before by never quite like this, they were being honored by "their" Mason.
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In the last 6 years, one at a time, they have gone to sit at the Great-Grandma table in heaven. The last one, Mae Mae, famous for being fashionably late was the last one to get there in May this year. Mae Mae, or as she was known before as Grandma was so special to us. There is so much I could write about her character or her commitment to her family. I could write about her work ethic and how "doing it right" was more important than doing it fast. She took her conviction of holiness to a level not familiar to many. She loved living but she also loved being in service to others.
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As her earthly body started to shut down back in December she fought so hard to stay present. The adjustment from intervention to comfort was hard. She taught me so much about will power and perseverance during that time. During those 5 months I experienced what it meant to be stuck in transition. She wanted her heavenly home and to find her loved ones as her time connected to us was whitering away.
This year on Good Friday we took our last ride in the car like we had done for countless appointments before, but this time was different, I knew it was the last… I knew it was the rally. She had already been in the bed not able to stand for a week but this day she was ready to go HOME. She was ready to go to Ryland. We tried to appease her by keeping her busy but she didn’t want us she wanted home. That was heartbreaking. During our chat that day I was a stranger she had met while visiting someone else’s home. Explicit compliments were rarely spoken directly to us as family but usually overheard as she was bragging to others about us. As a new acquaintance it was evident when she spoke about "hers" she was proud. She named everyone and listed their accomplishments with a huge smile. I will cherish that conversation.
My last visit, I knew it would possibly be my last, she held on tight as I talked to her. She mummbled the whole time I was there. Then clear as day she said “I love you suga.” I knew it would be the last time I heard her voice. Letting that part of her go crushed my heart.
A family friend told me at her graveside something I can not shake. "Your life is about to change" I still catch myself worrying about her and then realizing that she is safe in heaven. But what hasn't changed is what she taught me, that family is worth the fight, doing the right thing is the right thing even when it is hard, and to take advantage of every minute with family and I intend to do just that.
As I imagine that heavenly great-grandma table, Grandma Tay and Mae Mae are talking about putting up corn and butter beans. Grandma Joyce and Grandma Hobbs are sharing word find books and sipping on some soda. They all are eating ice cream and talking about their families; their proud moments and concerns like most grandmas do. Thank you great-grandmas for loving us.
