TGP: Day 11

Day 11

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

On August 11th of every year, I am reminded of the most incredible, Godly, joyful, selfless woman I've ever known.  Fortunately for me, she was my grandmother.  500 miles separated us for most of my childhood - yet, we were extremely close.  She made knowing and loving me a priority.  In fact, I often thought she lavished me with more love than I received from others in my "immediate family."  Now, looking back - I know she did.  She was probably keenly aware of odd familial dynamics and tried to compensate. Gone for over twenty years now, I'll never know what it was that she saw in me that caused her to so actively remain connected - but for the rest of my life, gratitude will fill my heart because she did.

While so far from perfect, it's often seemed that some of the "better parts" of me are a  result of her investment - not just the phone chats, handwritten letters (valued posessions today), the cassette tape recordings we'd mail back and forth, the long talks at night during visits - filled with giggles, etc. Her prayers for me probably mattered the most. She was the epitome of a "Proverbs 31" woman.  She faced many challenges, yet walked through those seasons of life with grace and incredible faith.  She also had the best laugh - and she laughed often.  You couldn't be in her presence and not love her immediately!

Nannie didn't live long enough to meet my husband or children, yet many times they've heard stories about her.  Often I've thought, "She would really love to be here right now, to see this, to know my husband, to hug my children..."  I know she would.  She has come to mind with each major milestone. How I wish she were still here to see my amazing three cherubs and the lives they are leading. There is no doubt, she would adore them all.

Immediately following the loss of my grandmother, I told my Dad that I'd name a future daughter after her. At some point in the following two years - I changed my mind. As much as this dear woman meant to me, I couldn't bring myself to name my first daughter "Eunice."  With confidence, I can say she would be more honored by the life that this daughter of mine is living, than by a shared name.

Our relationship was an incredible gift - never taken for granted. Today, her memory and her loving ways still linger in my mind, serving as motivation to be the same way with Bryce and future grandchildren. One could live right next door to a grandparent and not be half as close as I was to my precious grandmother. For my friends today who live far from their grandchildren - be encouraged. Neither time nor distance abrogate a Grandma's love. 

Thank you God for giving me four wonderful grandparents - all much loved, but none more special to me than "Nannie."   Thank you for bringing her into this world on this day, almost 100 years ago.  Thank you for her life and her legacy - both having impacted countless people, many of whom she never met. 

Love, 

"Eunice's forever grateful granddaughter"

Nannie - with Grandpa, and her infectious smile.