Tuesday, February 24, 2009

A Walk Home

I have been trying to come up with the words to describe Monday night. None seem to do the experience justice.

Monday morning as I was fasting and praying for my family - the phone rang. It was my sister and she said that Grandma was not doing well and she thought I should know. Now I must tell you about my Grandma....

When I was little I use to call her Mom, I was always with her. Looking back I can not imagine a child being more loved than I was by my Grandma. My Grandma was amazing - loss of words again - blurry eyes - hang in there with me - I have to get it out.

She was the ideal Grandma in every way from cooking to sewing to constant kindness and love. But what keeps coming to mind is the gift of time she gave. She ALWAYS had time for me. She ALWAYS seemed pleased to be with me and up for a round of matching cards or a puzzle. I am sure she could have found other things to do but I never knew that. She was always there waiting with open arms. I remember playing in the yard and I would look over and she would be standing at the window or sliding glass doors just watching me. She always seemed present, not distracted. I am so thankful to God for her!

Silent servant, that is what she was. She was always in the word - always seeking God and deep into a bible study, not out of routine but joy and excitement - her eyes always lit up when you asked her what she was learning. Faithful servant - always behind the scenes - doing whatever anyone needed and not just doing it but doing it with excellence!

I could tell you so much - my head is swimming - I am sure I will add more as my mind begins work again. But back to Monday morning.........

My sis called and I called a friend to see if she could watch the kids. She said YES (thank you Teresa!) - I had nothing on the calender (another miracle) and the car was even full of gas! I said OK God please stop me if I am not suppose to go - G-ma lives 4 hours away. 2 hours later I was on the road.

As I was driving, it was raining - perfect fit for my mood - I never enjoyed driving in rain so much. As I was driving I saw six or seven full rainbows - end to end perfect and solid. One was so bright in my windshield I could not look directly at it! I picked my phone up to take pics of it but the pic does not do it justice. Coinsedence - no way! God was showing me He was with me, He is in control and I can trust Him. I was in awe!! I am in awe!! I called my sis and told her about the rainbows. As she was leaving her house to go to G-ma's there was a rainbow filling her windshield too. Again, God was showing her He was in this!

I got to G-ma's and got to spend time just touching her, telling her I loved her, thanking her for being the best G-ma I could ever have. I read a few Psalms but mostly just looked at her and thanked God for her life. She looked so peaceful and sweet. I am so thankful for those hours!

My mom (G-ma's only child) was franticly trying to get a flight to G-ma. It was a painful wait for her - I am sure if she could have asked the captain to go fast she would have but again God was in control - Praise Him!

G-ma was beginning to fade, I was in bed with her and had my hand on her chest. As my mom opened the door G-ma's heart beat it's last beat - I am not exaggerating - I had my hand on her chest - I felt it! God allowed G-ma to stay for mom to have that moment. I have so many details to add - like mom running down the hall (she had no idea)! Oh God You are so in the details of your children!

I felt like I was given a gift from God. I felt like I got to walk her home. Thank you Jesus!

5 comments:

  1. You did a beautiful job of sharing your experience. I am so glad you were able to go and be with your Grandma she was a beautiful woman and I am so thankful I was able to meet her. I love you Shauna!

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  2. WOW! Sha, your G-ma was quite a lady and I am SOOOO glad you were able to be there with her in her last moments. Isn't it a beautiful thing to experience? When your heart aches with love, yet somehow God's amazing peace fills you as you feel your loved ones last breath. There are no words to describe it!!
    I'm sorry for the loss of your Grandma, but am praising God that she is with Him in paradise!
    Hey, I saw those rainbows... Tessa and I were telling God thank you for His promises! I love you sweetie. Praying for your fam!

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  3. What an amazing woman your Grandma was. I am so thankful to have known her. She had such a sweet and gentle spirit. What an amazing blessing God gave you, to walk her home. Love you and praying for you, sweetie.

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  4. Oh that was so beautiful..I saw those same rainbows that day..Im so sorry for you and your family..I love how God allows us those special moments and knows just when to take them home..I know from what you wrote, your grandma could'nt have had a more special hand on her heart than yours..You were watching over her just like she once did you..She sounds like such a special lady..Love to you all..

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  5. That is an amazing & beautiful story. I am reading it with tears down my cheeks. I cant imagine how your mom is feeling right now. I will be praying for all of you! I love you.

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