A Life Well Lived

My 95 year old grandmother is dying. She's ready. We're not. I prayed for many months that I would be able to see her one more time and God answered my prayer. In October - just a few months ago - she was staying with my parents and my dear sweet husband drove me up to see her and we came back the next day. I wouldn't give anything for that one day. This was a photo taken right before we left.

She has lived such a beautiful life. All but one of her 9 siblings are already gone; she's lost a son; two husbands; and almost all of her friends. She's ready. We're not. I could write a ten-thousand words about the virtue of her life. About a year ago - knowing that a 94 year old wouldn't live forever - I began to search my papers and things for all her letters to me. She actually writes letters - not emails. After collecting all of them, I realized that my grandmother never wrote me - NEVER - when she didn't mention God. NEVER. I have about 20 letters and cards. I'm sure there were many more that I've simply misplaced or lost or thrown away. Frankly - it's unlike me to keep anything, but I've always treasured her words. I found the letters she sent me after I graduated from law school, after I divorced, and a few hundred thank you notes for every small and insignificant gift I ever sent her. She always mentioned how grateful she was to God and that she was praying for me and for my family. The last card I received from her was after her 94th birthday. She writes...

Thanks for the letter. You are so thoughtful! I only wish I could put my arms around you and squeeze you real tight! I love you so much. Thanks for the birthday remembrance. I had a real special birthday. Everybody was so thoughtful. It was certainly a special day for me. I'll never forget it! I'm very tired now and am ready to go to bed. God bless you and yours. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Love you and yours - Momma Gladys

I know she's real tired now and ready to go be with God. She's ready. We're not.