Monday, June 22, 2009

More Precious Than Jewels



Just a week ago, my grandmother - Meme - came to my house and picked up Reagan and I. We went to the local Crawfordsville Farmer's Market and did a little purse shopping at a local shindig Meme wanted to show me. Now, a week later, she has gone to be with our Lord.

She always talked about how she longed for heaven - to be free of pain. To have that glorified body and praise our Lord. To eat heavenly food :)

She had an infection called CDIFF. It is usually a very common and treatable disease, however, in Meme's case, it became deadly because of a heavy dose of antibiotics that wiped her immune system. It's a long story. Basically, the infection slowly took over and organs began to shut down.

When I remember my Meme, I remember smiles. I remember beauty. I remember food. I remember laughter. I remember her love for her husband. I remember how she loved to shop - just us girls. I remember the cabin at Hardy - and goin junkin. I remember a servant - the best one you've ever seen. I remember how she'd meet me in the driveway when I arrived at her home and she'd walk me out when it was time to go. I remember her love for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren. I remember making cookies for the neighbors. I remember that Guideposts book by the toilet - always opened to the day's reading. I remember crocheted afghans. I remember a hard worker - we were always begging her to sit down. I remember phonecalls - just to check in and chat. I remember a quiet spirit. I remember an encouraging, godly woman - now missed by so many.

I know Meme would hate that we're making all this fuss over losing her. I can't help but cry - sometimes tears of joy and laughter and most of the time tears of sadness. She was one of a kind. There are none like her. I call myself blessed that I got to know her for so many years.

I am challeneged by the life of Meme. I want to be a woman of grace and dignity. She was one of the most godly people I've ever known. I am so thankful for her example.

Had I known, I would have hugged her a lot tighter that day at the Farmer's Market.

Now that she's gone - I can truly say - enjoy your loved ones. Don't waste this life. Enjoy the goodness and blessings right in front of you every moment - for life is fleeting and no one can know when their last breath will be.

That's what Meme would say.



10 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.

11
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.

12
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.

13
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.

14
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.

15
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.

16
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17
She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.

18
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.

19
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.

20
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.

24
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.

26
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”

30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.


4 comments:

jo said...

This is a beautiful tribute to such a special lady. I imagine she is having a glorious day today!!!!!

Julie said...

I'm sorry to hear that. She sounds like an amazing woman- your words were very sweet. I'll say a prayer for you and your family.

sethswifeforlife said...

Beautifully written. Sounds like you have had many memories together. What a true blessing! She is now being fully blessed in the presence of our Savior! You'll be together again one day! Amen!

kate said...

So sorry Candice!