This past Wednesday marked another milestone in life, as I took part in the funeral of my beloved grandmother Hazel, who died early Sunday morning 10/11/09, at age 96. The visitation and funeral services were very nice, shared with many family and long time friends. She had lived her entire life in the same area (20 mile span).
We laid her to rest in the local cemetery next to my grandpa Ralph who died tragically years earlier of ALS disease. Grandma was familiar with great loss as she lost her mother to breast cancer when she was a young child. It was a beautiful day and we know she is finally in the hands of Christ, where no more physical pain exists. She was a Godly woman of strong character. It was hard to see her health fade slowly over years since Grandpa died. She loved well, and was truly loved in return.
I agreed as the eldest grandchild to share a brief tribute to her life during the service. It was very hard for me to share all the fond memories so soon after her passing. I was glad to do it. My first cousin shared further fond memories as well which helped fill in gaps long forgotten. Grandma’s fine Christian example through good times and bad, left behind a great legacy.
My last post here addressed the miracle of new life. Now I contemplate the bitter/sweet end to life’s struggles that we all must face. I am so glad her life story ended well with little suffering and much rejoicing that she entered eternity as God’s child. God is so faithful, and His Word is true.
As I write I am reminded that I must faithfully add to my own legacy. I’m learning to value this above all else. I don’t know why such things lake so long to become a priority over other vain pursuits (I Cor. 13:11-13).
