Remembering Grandma Green

I am grateful for the time I had with grandma the last few months, especially for the last weekend our family shared together.  I am grateful for hospice who walked us through the process of death and learning that even when grandma was not awake she could hear us.  God even gave me the chance to tell grandma goodbye and to share most of what I'll share today.

I had the privilege of sharing nearly 38 years of my life with grandma in it.  My parents made it a priority that my sister and I had time and relationships with our grandparents and we spent countless weekends together and a few vacations as well.  Mostly though, I remember the little things...

I remember lots of regular days together just doing our nails, coloring, painting sun catchers, playing cards, playing in the yard, and enjoying grandma's chex mix.  We spent a lot of time shopping together and I always admired grandma's style.  She loved color and stripes and we always shared a similar taste in shoes, even wearing the same size.  I remember her being along when I picked out my first homecoming dress and my wedding dress.

I also remember annual outings with grandma. She often spent the week of Rochesterfest at our house and I spent the week of the Albert Lea fair with her.  We shared a love of country music and saw many concerts together at the fair and watched many hours of CMT together. I even remember grandma once got her hands on a VHS tape to teach us to line dance in the living room.

At grandma and grandpa's house, there was always room.  I think back on family gatherings and holidays, Christmas specifically, and I wonder how we all fit together at the table for a meal or game of cards or how we made space around the Christmas tree with the mountain of gifts that grandma bought for the family.  Many years, we added a new spouse or grandbaby and still found room.  Somehow, we all found a place to sleep at night too.  I always hated leaving our gatherings and weekends together and I remember negotiating with my parents to stay just one more night.

Above all else, I am grateful that grandma and I shared Jesus and I know that is why I'm at peace after losing her.  Our time on earth is fleeting, but we have a glorious eternity to share together.   I remember a few theological discussions with grandma through the years, but mostly I remember her heart for others and her love of Jesus.  She was an example of the two greatest commandments: to love God and love others.

Grandma loved and lived well.  You're here because you were touched by her love and life as well.  She lives on in her family as I see her traits in each of us.

• Bridget's nose
• My mom's body build
• Jeff and Larry's outgoing personalities
• Jamie's sense of adventure
• My laugh

But most of all, she lives on in the love she shared and the memories we have together.