Grandma Betty

I'm sitting here in the computer lab after my class, and reflecting on the last week+, so I figured I might as well blog about it.
I'd never lost anyone really close to me before this weekend. I can say that if you have experienced it, it is a really hard time full of confusion, sadness, and emotion. As we drove to the hospital on Tuesday night to see me grandma, I think I knew that it would be the last time I would get to see her on earth, but I was still holding on to hope that it wouldn't be. I don't want to say my hope faded as the early morning came, but rather changed; When I arrived, I was hoping that Grandma was going to live and I would be able to see her in her garden or in her sewing room again. As the night went on, I hoped that she would just let go so that she could meet Jesus sooner rather than suffering here on this temporary home.

Grandma was an exceptional lady. I don't just say that because she was my grandma. She loved many things, but most of all, she loved her family. When we moved to Clare in 2000 to be closer to her and grandpa (1 mile away!!), I didn't quite understand why we were moving. Now I know. My grandma was always the one cheering the loudest at my 7th and 8th grade basketball games, or clapping loudly with a huge grin on her face at my band concerts. Grandma was always there for me, and she got to experience my life rather than just be a part of it a few weekends out of the year. I am so thankful for that time I got to spend with my Grandma.

Grandma had pulminary fibrosis, a disease that basically binds up your lungs over time, and keeps you from taking in enough oxygen. Grandma knew she had it, but continued on experiencing life and didn't let it stop her. She had always been a fighter, even to the end. She loved shooting skeet at the Rod and Gun Club, and especially loved beating the guys (which happened more often than not!!). She loved sewing and gardening, and mowing the lawn. She reminded me that it was the simple things in life that matter most.

One of the biggest lessons my cousins and I learned from Grandma and Grandpa was what true love really is. They were married for 53 years, and every year, the love  just seemed to grow. Watching grandma and grandpa dance was one of my favorite things to do. They could move around a dancefloor so gracefully, and you could see the passion and love they had for each other while they danced (and afterward, too). They stood by each other through everything -- hardships and good times. They loved unconditionally.

My grandma isn't hurting anymore, and she is now dancing and singing with Jesus, her Beloved. While I miss her, I am thankful for this. I can't wait to see her again in Heaven, where I can dance and sing with her.

I love you, Grandma. Thank you for being the best Gram a girl could ask for. See you later :)