A week ago today I had the privilege to speak at my Grandma’s funeral. I have been to a few funerals but this one was one of a kind. I would like to tell you about my Grandma then explain why it was a privilege to speak at her funeral.
My Grandmother was a remarkable lady. She was born in 1917 and lived 92 years. She was raised by her mother and grandparents, after her father was killed when she was nine. She worked her way through college, going to classes for a semester or two then, teaching in one room school house, then back to classes. She received her degree from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) and has a life time teaching certificate. She became blind when her children were young yet raised all five of her children to have a strong work ethic, to love the Lord, and appreciate education.
My Grandmother was a remarkable lady. She was born in 1917 and lived 92 years. She was raised by her mother and grandparents, after her father was killed when she was nine. She worked her way through college, going to classes for a semester or two then, teaching in one room school house, then back to classes. She received her degree from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) and has a life time teaching certificate. She became blind when her children were young yet raised all five of her children to have a strong work ethic, to love the Lord, and appreciate education.
My Grandmother loved her grandkids. She made each one of us feel like her favorite and we always joke about who really is her favorite! Grandma always taught compassion and love to everyone. She would not put up with spite or bullies and she let you know when you crossed the line but in such a loving way that you did not feel humiliated. Grandma bragged about her grandkids constantly. She would point to our pictures on the wall and tell you why each of her grandkids was special.
The last few years of Grandma’s life she struggled with dementia (a disease like Alzheimer but that does not change your personality; you just lose your memory). Grandma would not always know who was visiting but would still point out her grandkids to you and tell you their most recent accomplishment.
My Grandma was remembered last week by many friends and family. Her funeral was lead by her grandchildren. We spoke, read scriptures, and preached about what a lady she was and celebrated her life. She lived for her Lord and gave unconditionally of herself to others. She was truly a light unto the world.
After the service we had a great lunch served by the church and then headed out to my aunt and uncles house. While the elders wrote thank you notes (side note: why do you have to thank people for giving something when someone dies, doesn’t that just make it more painful?) the boys (that would be the cousins, with the youngest 23 and the oldest 30 something, but getting up there) started a football game. Of course the girls and wives brought chairs out to watch and laugh!
As we drove away, headed back to Texas, Brandon comments; 'your family sure knows how to put the fun in funeral.'
So as you see, it was a privilege to speak of such a wonderful person. If I live to be 92 or even 82 I hope my kids and grandkids put the fun in funeral for me!
So as you see, it was a privilege to speak of such a wonderful person. If I live to be 92 or even 82 I hope my kids and grandkids put the fun in funeral for me!
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