“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—”
Psalms 103:17
My Meme. . .
One of the Godliest women I'm sure I will ever know, and how greatly this scripture speaks of her. Ohhhh how much I love her and the memories we've made...
it just makes me heart smile. :)
Shortly after this picture was taken out at the farm she became very ill, so ill in fact, we truly thought we might lose her. Two weeks after Hudson was born we made the trip to Hot Springs to visit & love on her, but it was obvious that both her physical and mental state were in serious decline. She could barely eat or keep anything down, and holding a conversation or even her train of thought proved very difficult. I couldn't hardly stand to say goodbye at the end of our visit, for fear it would be our last.
She was in and out of the hospital every few days, which quickly turned into week long stays. Everyone including the doctors seemed confused about what was actually wrong with her, or what could be done to make her well. She lost a massive amount of weight, at times had either partial or total memory loss, often spoke of the "pretty lights" floating in the room, along with many other hallucinations... She even claimed the nurses had been keeping her up at night with their "praying & speaking in tongues." ;) Almost overnight she declined to a state of total dependency on caretakers, especially my dad. He stayed with her night and day, showing his love in so many new & difficult ways. It broke my heart to even think about her is such a feeble way, and it was especially hard that I couldn't be near her to help, or just love on her.
And then almost just as quickly as this sickness came on, she started getting better. A change in her medications - we couldn't believe it could do this to her. And she didn't just better - but she was miraculously BETTER! From one phone call of 'no improvement & gravely ill' in a hospital bed, to 'we took her out to lunch and she WALKED HOLDING OUR ARMS' kind of healing!
I believe in prayers, and I believe God still answers them...
We may never understand why things happen, or the reason behind answered or (seemingly) unanswered prayers, but I believe and have full faith that God is in control. The next opportunity I had to see Meme was unfortunately at my Papaw's funeral. But I was so thankful to have her there, especially knowing where she had just been and how she was very much still recovering. I was truly grateful for the ray of sunshine she brought, proof of God's faithfulness, to a heavy hearted day.
Too often we don't say how we feel until it's too late, so I wanted to take a moment to write a short note, that absolutely won't be able to express all that I feel, but that can hopefully capture a glimmer of my thoughts & feelings. . .
My sweet Meme,
What a wonderful 30 years we've shared. As I think back on memories we've made, I realize I could never write them all down -- and how wonderful that is! From entire weeks spent together every Christmas, year after year, and the stories you told us in the Village under the tree, to countless hours spent piecing together puzzles or playing games like Aggravation or King's Corner, or whether it be vacations to the beach or Branson, birthdays, camping trips, or indulging in chocolate malts, the times we have spent together & the memories we have made, will always be treasured in my heart.
I've heard I'm "just like Meme" more times than I could ever remember, and it's funny how much truth there is in that statement. We are night-owls to the core, who love a good tv show or Hallmark movie, who could eat desserts & peanut butter all day long (actually we just enjoy food and could eat all day long), and we definitely share in the 'Wright's sense of humor' when it comes to animals & children. I love all of these traits (& more) that we share but there is still one other that I'm striving towards...
It comes from all the memories and realizations that I'm just now beginning to realize & understand. . . the heartfelt prayers & praises whispered under your breath throughout the day, the brief readings of scripture as you walk past an open bible, your scripture memorization/recall, the dedication to your church and church family, the overall positive outlook on life, not often giving in to whines & pitty parties (even when life deals you hard blows). You are a woman to be admired. Your faithfulness and love for the Lord shines brighter than any other memory I could bring forth... You have displayed for me an amazing example of what a Christian woman is -- an awesome legacy. You have lived your life honoring God, a life to be proud of and one that continues to bear fruit, and that can already be honored.
“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Titus 2:1-5
You are the epitome of what a 'Grandmother' should be -- your laugh, your stories, your yummy treats & country home-cooking, your ability to enjoy life like a child, your warmth, your joy, your shared love for kitty-cats (actually all things cute & furry!) but most of all, your heart and the love you have blessed each one of us with.
I pray that we have many more years to make new & wonderful memories together and I hope that more than anything else, you can know and feel the love and appreciation I have for you. Thank you for all of your time, your efforts & thoughtfulness, your prayers, and your love over the years. I am so blessed to call you mine.
I love you BIG HUGE!
Your (one & only) Granddaughter,
Mandy
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
Psalms 145:4
