Heavy Heart

I've been away since Thursday morning, snapped out of reality and stuck into a terrible nightmare.

My sweet grandmother, better known as Memie, was rushed to the hospital, where she remained for about 35 hours. 

I debated sharing my feelings about Memie on here, but she was such a special person in my life that I want every person possible to learn just a snippet of how amazing she was. 

I've decided to share the script of what I said at her funeral service.  We already had two preachers speaking about her, as well as Memie's sister, so I tried to keep it short.  But boy, could I have gone on and on...

My grandmother wore the same bracelet every day. It is a sterling silver bangle that is engraved with the fruits of the spirit. I don’t know if you all are familiar with those nine traits, but in the bible, Galatians tells us that they are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

When I was thinking about what I might like to say here today, I knew there could easily be an unending list of wonderful things to say about Memie –but, I also know that Poppop wants to get home before dinner time, so I will keep this short.  So, I started listing some of the qualities that she portrayed.  Right after I got started, I looked down at my list and couldn’t help but be immediately reminded of her bracelet. She lived the fruits of the spirt each and every day, just as she lived her life to honor the Lord.

I admired my grandmother more than anyone else in the whole word. Her trying life experiences made her a pillar of strength, but yet, she had the most gentle & loving spirit. She was funny, even when she wasn’t trying to be ...and her laugh was absolutely infectious. She loved her family more than anything in the world. Not only was Memie beautiful –inside and out, but she was a jack of all trades. She would even talk sports with my brother when we’d visit her. Oh, and I dare you to find a house cleaner than hers in Horry County. She could do anything she set her mind to.

Although my grandmother represented each of the fruits of the Spirit, this world does not. Earth does not promise joy & peace, but God has promised these things in Heaven. I know that Memie is never to hurt or fear again. As my little cousin Riley, Memie's great-granddaugher, said, “she is dancing with the angels in Heaven.” I know she is healed and that, with God’s grace, we will all be together again eternally.

To conclude, I’d like to share a poem with you called “After Glow,” by Carol Mirkel. A poem that Memie picked out. I can’t think of one that is more fitting.

I’d like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I’d like to leave an afterglow

of smiles when life is done.

I’d like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave

when life is done.

Patricia Allen Watson

June 24, 1934 - January 6, 2012

"I carry you with me into the world,

into the smell of rain & the words that dance between people

& for me, it will always be this way,

walking in the light, remembering being together."