Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Bidding her farewell

grandma and me circa 2008
We had been regulars at the hospital lately, as my dear grandma fought for her life. We bade her farewell as she passed this Sunday prior, and though there is an indescribable sorrow amongst her children and grandchildren, I thank the Lord who was gracious to give her 88 years on this earth. As I look at the most recent picture I have with her above circa 2008, I am reminded of how she sacrificially cared for my grandpa, her eight children, and twenty grandchildren throughout her life. We could all confirm that she was the glue that melded everyone together, especially as she modeled faithfulness and love in her 70 year marriage with my grandpa. She heard the gospel three times in her last days, and though I wrestle with not absolutely knowing if her heart had truly been captured by the gospel, I am comforted by the truth that it is not up to us, but up to God who changes hearts. The husband and I read this verse this weekend past, which granted us great comfort for "it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy." I miss and love her tremendously, but I know God is sovereign and wise in working out all things for good, and I am thankful for the husband and my dear church family who've come alongside us with their love and prayers.

43 comments:

  1. It's always hard losing a loved one. I hope that you and your family are coping well. In hard times, I also turn to God for guidance, encouragement, and security. God will surely look after her. :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your family are in my thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your grandmother seems like she was a beautiful soul. So sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy. Especially grandparents. They're so special. Praying for your family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother. What a wonderful and amazing person she must have been. This made me rather emotional. I have such a soft spot for the elderly and this made me think of my late grandmother and grandfather. Wonderful memories indeed :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. So sorry to hear about your grandma. You did God's will and that verse is so comforting.

    ReplyDelete
  6. what a beautiful post. sounds like a wonderful woman!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry to hear this news, and your faith, love and hope is much appreciated, very inpspirational. Kindly,

    Shauna

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sorry the above comment is me Shauna, but my son blogs too and he was signed in at that moment! Apologies...:)

    Shauna

    ReplyDelete
  9. i'm so sorry helen about your loss. what a great blessing though her life was to all of you, and her husband. it is true, God in His immense mercy is the One to take care of that matter. i pray that in her heart she was able to accept the gospel and you pray that she did. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  10. my condolences to you and yours. your grandma sounds like a lovely, kind woman.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So sorry for your loss, the picture of you two is just adorable! Send well wishes your way!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a beautiful story of a beautiful women. I do pray you can hold the memories close and prayers of comfort for you and your family. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry to hear this. I know your grandma was an amazing woman who was deeply loved and will be terribly missed. Thinking of you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a beautiful photo. Just lovely.

      Ali of:

      www.dressingken.com

      Delete
  14. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I realize this must be a tough time for you and your family but I hope you find strength in this difficult time.
    xo,
    nancy

    ReplyDelete
  15. So sorry about your loss.. You and you family are in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Helen, I'm so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. I know she was an amazing women and I'm sure she was so proud to have you as her granddaughter.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So sorry for your loss, Helen. Sending you thoughts and prayers. It sounds like she had a fulfilling life filled with love from family. <3

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, so sorry to hear of your incredible loss, Helen. Losing a dear loved one is so hard, praying you find strength in the Great Comforter. Hugs to you! xo

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. She sounds like she was a wonderful example of love and how to love your family. I am so glad she got to hear the Word of God, too. God is good and thank you for the reminder that He has the ability to change all hearts. Praying for you and your family! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a sweet picture. My Grandmother also died recently, last week in fact, she was 89. I now have no more grandparents and it's kinda sad. But I still have all the wonderful memories. I love how your testimony shines through in all of your posts. Young, Christ centered women like you are truly so inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a sweet woman. Sending prayers! It seems to me that she was a Christ-like person just as much as you! I believe she will have her place in heaven:) God loves His children, and He knows their hearts.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Still praying for you and your family, for peace and comfort and strength in God's love. So sad for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so sorry to hear this. May your grandma rest in peace. <3

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sending you and your family prayers of comfort during this time.

    ReplyDelete
  26. so sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  27. So sorry for your lost. Please take care. Sending my prayers and thoughts to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi, Neat post. There's a problem together with your web site in internet explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the market leader and a large portion of other people will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem.
    Also see my site - diets that work

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm sorry to hear about your grandma. But from what it sounds like, she had a VERY happy and full life.

    ReplyDelete
  30. My heartfelt sympathy for the passing of your grandma.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So so sorry about the loss of your grandmother, girl. Sounds like she had a wonderful life with lots of family :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Goodness Helen, you have lost such a special lady!
    I can't pretend to imagine how that feels.

    Thanks for sharing her spectacular story with us.

    ReplyDelete
  33. My heartfelt condolences for you and your family's loss Helen. Your dear grandmother sounds like she was an incredible lady who really blessed the lives of everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a gorgeous photo of the two of you. I'm thinking and praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi there, just hoping you are doing alright, considering.

    Also, since your blog is so captivating, I was searching for some other posts I may have missed and I found your wedding pictures and I just wanted to tell you they made my day. Is that weird? They are precious, pretty, enchanting and whimsical. I adored how you put everything together. It was perfect, just perfect, thank you for sharing. Take care,

    Shauna

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm so sorry to hear about this loss, my friend! What a precious thought to know that she rests in the hand of our sovereign King, though. Know that I am praying for you, and my Plum and I send you many warm hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  37. i am sorry about your grandmother. may you and your family find peace in remembering the happy moments you shared with her.

    ReplyDelete
  38. helen, I was so saddened to read this :( Your grandmother was a beautiful woman. Praise God that she was able to hear the gospel in her last few days. I am praying that God will give you comfort and ultimately peace in His sovereignty and goodness. I miss you and my thoughts are with you

    ReplyDelete
  39. Helen I hadn't visited your blog until now, and I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and your family.
    Lots of hugs for you

    ReplyDelete
  40. Helen, what a beautiful photo of you and your grandma. This post touched my heart, and your family is in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

    Review my homepage: online airplane games

    ReplyDelete

Thank you kindly for taking time to comment. We truly appreciate each and every one!