My Grandmother

My grandmother (my father's mother) died Friday night. I must have known it was going to happen, because as I was driving back from Colorado, I sensed that she would die. I began to think about what I might say about her if I were leading her funeral.

I didn't lead her funeral. I led my great aunt's funeral a few years ago (Grandma's sister), and I felt it would be to hard to participate as funerals got moved closer in the family circle. I remember singing and crying through the benediction at my grandfather's funeral (my father's dad) several years ago.

But, if I had gotten up to speak, here's what I would have said:

If I could describe my grandma in one word, it would be "simple." Yes, Grandma was simple. She had a simple, classic beauty - well, really, she was quite a looker (so was Grandpa when he was young, so it was no wonder they fell in love!). I have the privilege of having some of Grandma's diaries, which I received when we were moving her into the assisted living/nursing facility. Her writing tells of a simpler time, when people went to visit and spend days and evenings together. She cared about things like the weather.

Grandma was good at the things she did, like cooking and sewing - but those things were always simple. I remember countless times that we would make blueberry muffins (from a mix), tuna salad, or brownies when I was there to visit. We ate simple meals. For entertainment, we did crossword puzzles, word searches, or played Chutes and Ladders. (Incidentally, my kids use the same game all these years later.)

Grandma was simple in many other ways: her clothing was simple and comfortable, but elegant. Her jewelry was always simple, as was her makeup. She didn't need the latest and greatest furniture or electronics - she and grandpa had nice things, but they didn't need a lot. They drove Ford cars for as long as I can remember (and Escort and two Tauruses, for sure).

We would take walks or go to the school to watch a softball game for fun. She and grandpa would take Sunday drives and somehow show up at our house, sometimes with her sister and brother-in-law.

And all of that reminds me of a simpler time and place, when family was important, and the things of this world were not. Grandma understood that as a part of her faith. Her faith was also simple, and well lived-out.

And yesterday, I stood by her casket, and saw her body simply lying there, in simple but beautiful clothing; with simple makeup and jewelry, in a simple and yet elegant casket...and I was amazed (and yet, not amazed at all), because she was simply Grandma.

One other thought that occurred to me yesterday: my Grandma always had an inner peace about her. She was always calm and cool, and such a joy to be around. I saw that on her face yesterday; that same inner peace that I always saw in her. I will take that inner peace with me, and continue to search for it in my own life. I love you and miss you, Grandma, but I am grateful for all you taught and showed me - and it gives me great comfort and joy to know where you are now.