My grandmother, Granny, passed away recently. My earliest memories of her include reading me Yertle the Turtle and making me pancakes when I spent the night at her house. I also remember my mom driving us to the mall (#mychildhood), and Granny would always say, "Kathryn's being so quiet back there. I think she fell asleep," just trying to get me to say something.
Living right next to my high school, Granny could tell my mom when I was late to school, but she was also happy to write me an excuse and to let me and all of my friends come over for off campus lunch. She had classic style, and it was common for me to compliment something she wore, only for her to take it off and give it to me. I'm wearing one of her sweaters as I write this, and I even spent a whole month in her sweaters last year. She left me quite a stylish inheritance that I hope to continue to share on the blog.
I am so thankful for the legacy of each of my grandparents. I've been fortunate to have all four of them for most of my life--until two years ago--and I still have my dad's parents.
When my grandfather passed away, I began to understand why we took food to people when they lost a family member. With visitation and funeral to attend, obituary to write, et cetera, it's nice to not have to plan a meal. I woke up on the morning of my grandmother's funeral and thought to myself, I can have literally anything I want for breakfast today. What a show of love and care from friends of my family.
I've been slowly making my way through Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, reading an article each morning. On the morning of my grandmother's funeral, I read an article about church troubles. She writes, "How shall the world recognize His love unless we act in love toward one another?" I saw the love of the church for my family as they cared for us before, on, and after that day.
I hold dear each precious friend who brought us food, sent us cards, attended the visitation and funeral, emailed, and texted me memories of my grandmother. At the time, I didn't always acknowledge each act of kindness, but I do appreciate them. I hope that I will love and support my friends as well in their times of need. Certainly my parents have set that example for me over the years.
