99

 

today is my grandma's 99th birthday.  and i know she is having a ball with her Savior.  a perfect heavenly body.  strolling the celestial streets.  worshipping at the feet of Jesus.  feasting at His splendid table.  way better than anything we could do for her here.  no lame party hats or balloons for this lady.  she is truly LIVING now.

happy birthday, sweet grandma.  we miss you and love you... and we look forward to an eternity of celebration together in the realms of glory.

my sweet little grandma.  a woman of great strength and personality.  she was intrepid, tenacious while composed, and delightfully cheeky.  always with a mischievous glimmer in her eye or playful smirk on her face.  she had no qualms about speaking her mind and responding with a sassy eye roll when the discourse warranted.

my grandma had an iron will.  a determination that allowed her to face the challenges of life with seemingly effortless resolve.  she endured.  she persevered.  she encountered hardships and met them with a steady countenance.

my grandma loved maple donuts, tomato sandwiches, and pralines and cream ice cream.  i would watch her as she took delicate bites and savored each morsel.  she always took just enough and would slowly relish the flavor.  never rushing.

my grandma had moxie.  she was independent and robust.  she thought nothing of shoveling snow well into her nineties.  if something had to be done, she would be the one to do it.  my grandma was gifted with her hands.  and her hands were strong.  from years of working and kneading and rearing and quilting and embroidering.  she was meticulous and crafted remarkable works.  items that will be cherished by posterity.

my grandma was a superb cook.  her kitchen was ambrosial and warm.  my grandma made the most incredible applesauce.  pink applesauce.  her unique recipe. tart and sweet and tasty.  my grandma made the best strawberry jam.  carmine deliciousness that was perfect on buttery, toasted, white bread.

my grandma was an example of a Proverbs 31 woman.  she dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.  she puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  she is not afraid of snow for her household.  she looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  her children—and grandchildren—rise up and call her blessed.  what a life.  what a tremendous example.  grandma, you will be missed.  but our sweet memories of you live on and we rejoice that you are with your Savior, living in perfect peace, unending bliss, and eternal satisfaction.