Finishing Well

The past four years have brought much change in the life of my Grandma. She has struggled with cancer, battling through without a complaint. This fall brought new complications and Grandma continued to get weaker. As we prepared to move to Texas, I realized that I may not see my grandma many more times in this life. Thanksgiving Day as we sat around the living room, Grandpa was at the piano and the room was filled with joyful singing of Thanksgiving hymns. I sat across from Grandma, watching her intently as we sang. My eyes filled with tears as the words barely escaped my mouth...Thanks for times now but a memory, Thanks for Jesus by my side! I knew as I watched her, that this would probably be the last day I would ever see my Grandma in this life. Grandma managed to somehow make it through the holidays, but Mom and Dad's trips to the cities were getting more frequent as January came. Last week after leaving Grandma's house, mom called and told me it might be a good time to give Grandma a call or write her a letter. As soon as I hung up the phone I called Grandma. When she answered her voice was sweeter and more at peace than I had heard in a long time. We talked for a few moments before she began to sound tired. I said goodbye, thankful to hear my Grandma's voice again. That night she got very sick and was taken to the hospital the next morning. I then wrote her the following note.

Dear Grandma,

I don't know if you will get this, but I wanted to write you and let you know how much I love you. I was so glad to hear your cheerful voice last night on the phone even though I know you weren't feeling well. I was very sorry to hear that you had a painful night of throwing up. When you commented on the phone that you "fear you are only a shadow of who you used to be," I began thinking about all the memories I have with you. I can never tell you enough how your life has been such a great example to me. You are constantly serving others and never do I hear you complain about anything. Even now as you have been sick for four years, you have continued to be gracious and faithful in loving and serving everyone around you. I will always cherish the memories I have of you reading stories to me and singing Children of the Heavenly Father to me as I fell asleep. You always made the best peanut butter sandwiches cut in four triangles and you never failed to have vanilla yogurt there for me when I came for a visit. Everything always seemed better at grandma's. From the time I was little, your life has been an example to me of how to live in a way that blesses those around you and brings glory to God. I am reminded of this summer at the reunion when Lisa Madera shared about finishing well. As I think about those who have gone ahead, I am reminded of the verse in Hebrews that says, "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." You have modeled beautifully how to live life as a faithful servant of the Lord, and now you modeling for me how to finish well. I sure wish I could be there with you right now to tell you this in person. You are such a wonderful Grandma and I am going to miss you so much! Love, Bekah

Thursday evening, January 20, Grandma went to be with the Lord. She has given me many treasures to hold on to, and now that she is with her Savior, I am experiencing the truth of the words she sang to me so many times...

Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given

God His own doth tend and nourish

In His holy courts they flourish

From all evil things He spares them

In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever

From the Lord His children sever

Unto them His grace He showeth

And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh

God His children ne'er forsaketh

His the loving purpose solely

To preserve them pure and holy

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers
Your Protector never slumbers
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foe man must surrender.

Thank you, Grandma! I love you!