Monday, January 12, 2009

Tears of Sorrow & Tears of Joy

My Gramms went home yesterday, to be with her Jesus. I have been crying tears of sorrow and tears of joy since then.

Though I am sad for myself I feel a strange sense of peace. Because I know that she is Home. She doesn't feel pain any more. She is dancing and laughing with her God.

She can watch over us from there. I know that I'll be able to hear her laughter when I do something funny. I'll feel her pride when I accomplish the big things in my life, and I'll feel her tears when there is heartache. I'll always know that she is at peace.

Gramms had a big laugh. She was a tiny woman, but her laugh could be heard in Heaven even here on earth! She was in a commercial once. Do you remember the "Where's the Beef?" slogan? They started with the not so classy commercials and then moved into the really nice ones. Gramms was in the one that was from coast to coast, Manhattan NY to Manhattan MT. She of course was in the Manhattan MT one =) She had the only line in the commercial. It was when she threw her head back and laughed her big laugh. They liked it so much, they left it in the commercial. We always teased her about that. And she would throw her head back and laugh every time...

Gramms used to be a Ballerina. She danced and taught ballet as well. My Grandpa could put his hands around her waist, touching his fingers tips, hands encircling her waist. She was a tiny woman!

I will always remember dressing up in her old costumes with my cousin, JustWe3, and clomping around in her clogging clogs or her tap shoes. We would load up on the costume jewelry and prance around. I'm sure we were a site! She loved it. I was lucky and got to spend a lot of time at her house when I was younger. And she lived on my way home from visiting my Dad's, so I would always stop there on my way by.

Unfortuately my Boys didn't get to know GiGi (short for Great Grandma) very well, but they were very sad when I told them about her going to Heaven. They said, "So we won't get to stop at her house on our way home from Grandma and Grandpa's any more?" With sad eyes and down turned mouths. It makes me tear up again just thinking about it. Little ones are so sweet.

My cousins' little girl, who is the same age as my oldest, heard that GiGi wasn't feeling well yesterday, so she made her a get well card. Isn't that the sweetest thing?

Anyway, I just wanted to share a little about my Gramms with you. She was a wonderful, fantastic, awesome, generous, joyful, loving Grandma and she will be missed terribly.

We Love You Gramms...

10 comments:

Unknown said...

while i am so very sorry to hear of your loss, i am equally sure that your gramms is waltzing, not just with jesus, but with every dancer over there waiting for her.

Lucy Mills said...

I'm so sorry you have to be parted with her, but glad that you are able to feel joy, too. She sounds (and looks) like such a lovely person.

Melissa said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I pray God's comfort while you grieve.

Shelley said...

What a sweet picture and a great tribute to her. Just by looking at the picture she looks like someone who would be a lot of fun to be around. Hugs to you and your family!

Nursing Class of December 2011 said...

Hi~
Obviously you didn't get alot of sleep last night. Amazingly, I did sleep but it took me quite awhile to get there. I love what you did today and didn't have words myself so I just put a link to your blog from mine. I think you just captured her so beautifully. I love you.

Jillene said...

I am so sorry Mindy. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Loriann said...

Mindy and Heather, and families...
My heart hurts with you at the sweet lose of Gigi. I am sorry for your ache for her, and happy for her homegoing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Thank Jesus that she knew Him well. He is with her in heaven I am sure. What a legacy she has passed on to you, and those she knew while here on earth. God be with you these next few days and weeks and months as you walk with Him in your greif. We are praying for you all.
Much Love and Prayers,
Lori and girls

Betty said...

My sympathy goes out to you! I´m glad she´s at a better place and hope your pain is comforted by this!

Loree said...

This is a lovely tribute ladybug. Your description and memory of your grams is wonderful. I agree, her laugh and generosity were everyday gifts she gave to those who knew her. I remember her fondly.

Tara Bennett said...

Oh Gramms definitely is home. That photo of her holding the baby is so precious. I'm so sorry for your loss, but happy that you understand the eternal perspective!