I'm sad.
I introduced you to my grandma in this post and this post.
Recently, this dear sweet lady, "Pretty Hazel", was put on hospice.
She has lived an astonishing 98 years.
Her attitude is amazing. After the doctor told her that she had stage four cancer, I asked her, "How do you feel about what he said, Grandma?"
"He didn't say anything that bothered me a bit," she responded, cheerfully. "I've had a wonderful, long life and when it's my time to go, then it's my time to go."
This cheerful perspective gave me the courage to sit down with her a few days later and ask her if she had any specific desires in regards to her memorial service. She had all sorts of ideas! We figured out where it'd be, who'd do what, and what songs would be sung. (Actually, she figured it out. I just took notes.)
"I don't want there to be any sadness and I want it to be called a "celebration service", not a "memorial service"," she said.
I responded that I didn't know how well we could deliver on the first part of that request, but that we would call it a celebration service.
Now for more practicalities like caskets and morticians.
I'm so thankful I'm able to be helpful by doing some of the detail work, but I confess I feel quite inadequate to do so.
Friends, please pray for me as I deal with that which must be dealt with. Pray for wisdom for me in this unfamiliar funerary world and that I would be able to honor God and my grandmother throughout this entire process. May God be glorified in Grandma's death just as He has been in her life.
Hmmm...I'm sad, but that sadness is tinged with thankfulness and hope.
7 comments:
My heart is heavy too. I am so sorry, Aimee. Praying for you through the time and praying as you prepare for the service. What a wonderful lady.
Praise the Lord that she knows her destination and now your family can "celebrate" and "rest" in that knowledge. I know those don't seem very likely at the time, but what a blessing to know that you will eventually. I will absolutely be praying for you and your family during this time. I pray that it does bring glory and honor to God!
praying for you as well, we are here if you need anything--
Oh man, that is tough. But she just sounds like such an amazing woman! Amazing!! I will pray for direction and for the Lord to guide your heavy heart. love you girl!
Wow--I hope I have that perspective when it's my time! Your Gma sounds really godly. Praying for you!
I'm so sorry Aimee. Praying for you. I agree with Kindra, your grandma sounds like a wonderful lady with a beautiful heart.
I, too, am so sorry, aimee...
I know at times like these, reading may not be at the forefront of your thoughts, but I'm currently reading a book by N.T. Wright called Surprised by Hope. It's a really great, biblical perspective on death. Thinking of you...
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