Today is my grandmother, Arcie's, birthday (my dad's mom). She passed away when I was a sophomore in high school, so it has been many years.
I still miss her, though.
I am often told how much like my mom that I am (and that's a good thing), but my mom often tells me how much like her I am. One day, I was holding my hand in my lap a certain way and my mom said that Arcie did that same thing.
I wish that I knew more of those things.
There are plenty of things I do remember about her--funny stories she would tell, foods she would make us, presents she brought when she and grandpa came to visit--but I guess I was so young and self-absorbed at the time that I didn't notice some of the things that I wish I would have.
I remember after she passed away feeling so horrible for all of the times we had gone to Palatka to visit, and I would stay holed up in the room that I used and listen to the radio. I could have been out talking and visiting with her, and instead I was isolating myself. My mom told me that it was okay--that's what teenagers did--and that I shouldn't feel bad about it. But I did--and I still do.
I am grateful to my grandmother. It was because of her that I developed a testimony of my own that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. A few years after she passed away, I wrote down my experience and sent it in to the New Era--the Church's magazine for teenagers--and it was published several years later. (Click here for the link) I am so glad that I can thank her for that wonderful experience.
I know that I will see her (and my grandpa) again--and all of my other relatives who have passed on. I am thankful that I will then have the opportunity to talk with her and learn more about her. I know she knows that I love her, and I know without a doubt that she loves me too.
I am so grateful for that.
TOGETHER... We make a FAMILY...
8 years ago
2 comments:
Very cool! I love your story--a published author!! :-)
I had a special bond with my Grandma too--and still miss her---since my family are not members, I know she and my Grandpa(who I never met--he died when my dad was 2)are waiting. Dave and I did all of their ordinances. Although I didn't feel them there that day, I knew they were appreciative--a boost to my own testimony.
And, like you, I was told that I was very much like my Grandma--she died when I was 14 and I didn't have the Gospel then, but I knew she was OK and that I'd see her again. :-)
Thanks for sharing!
I think that when anyone passes away we always wish we had done something different. That is always a good reminder for me to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones we still have here.
I felt the same way after my Grandpa (my dad's dad) passed away....that I should have been more willing to spend time with him. (I was just coming out of my teenage years.) I am grateful for those feeling, though, because now I try really hard to spend extra time with my remaining grandparents (I am so blessed to still have 3 gradparents here). And, when I can't, to let them know how much I love and appreciate them.
Luckily we know that some day we WILL be reunited with those who have already passed on.
Thanks, Jenn
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