Tuesday, January 10, 2012

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."

57 comments:

  1. Oh girl. This brought me to tears because what you say about your Memie reminds me so much of my Nan who died nearly 5 years ago now. She too was my hero and beautiful just like your Memie. I miss my Nan desperately every day as I'm sure you do too, but sometimes I'm thankful she's not here because I know she wouldn't want to see some of the things that have gone on in our family since she died. Remember, God has a plan for everything even if we don't understand right away as I did not understand when Nan passed away from cancer only months after being diagnosed. The best thing you can do is let your Memies spirit live on through you. That's what I try to do for Nan. My thoughts are with you. I know how hard this is.

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  2. Beautiful words for your beautiful Memie! Sending prayers of comfort and strength for you and yours! -e

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  3. Praying for comfort and peace for you and your family. It is never easy to lose a loved one.

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss. She seems as if she was an incredible woman. Your in my thoughts and prayers <3

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss sweet girl. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever read (wiping tears away). I was devastated when my Mimi died 10 years ago and I still think of her everyday. I hope your memories with her provide you with some comfort. Praying and thinking of you and your family. xoxo

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  6. So sorry for your loss. I, too, had to say goodbye to my Nana a couple weeks ago. Praying for you and your family!

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  7. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family during this time.

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  8. this brought me to tears, hit so close to my heart. i lost my pop-pop just two months ago & spoke at his funeral. i know how brave & powerful that experience is..thinking of you & your family.

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  9. So sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman.

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  10. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's never easy. Prayers for you friend!

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  11. That was a beautiful poem and eulogy, I'm so sorry for your loss, she sounded like such a wonderful woman.

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  12. This is such a sweet post about your Memie! I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking about you and your family.

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother in April and I think about her every day. I miss her so much sometimes that I wish I could just have one more day with her. I will be thinking about you and your family.

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  14. This was so touching Megan. Thanks for sharing. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers yalls way. I know she's smiling down on each of youl.

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  15. This is amazing. I started crying, even though I don't know her! I think about my grandparents everyday and how I can't imagine life without them. Stay strong!

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  16. I have been following your blog for quite some time now and each and every one of your posts brings a little extra sunshine to my day! I am so sorry for your loss, but this post has not only brought me to tears, but to new realizations. I am thankful for your grandmother; I know that I am a person who you do not know and she does not know, but I thank you SO very much for sharing this, because it was something I really needed to read! Sending up lots of prayers for you and your family during this time, girl! - Kelly

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  17. Tears. Beautiful and moving. Thank you for sharing about your beautiful grandmother, she's one more angel I will now be familiar with in heaven.

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  18. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us...makes me miss my grandma. Sending prayers your way.

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  19. I am just a random reader, but I had to share my condolences. Grandmothers are such special people in our lives, and it sounds like you have amazing memories of your Memie, to share with your children and grandchildren. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

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  20. I'm truly so sorry for your loss and your families. Thinking of you!

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  21. what wonderful words. i'm sure she is smiling down and watching over you! prayers to you and your family sweet girl!

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  22. I lost my grandmother last April and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. I am so sorry for your lost. Sending prayers up for you and your family!

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  23. My grandfather passed away Thursday evening here in Gainesville, Georgia so I know exactly how you are feeling. Its so hard and has been quite an emotional journey. I share with you this poem that he had in his room from when his wife whom I am named after, passed away years ago...

    Do not stand at my grave and weep,
    I am not there; I do not sleep.
    I am a thousand winds that blow,
    I am the diamond glints on snow,
    I am the sun on ripened grain,
    I am the gentle autumn rain.
    When you awaken in the morning’s hush
    I am the swift uplifting rush
    Of quiet birds in circling flight.
    I am the soft star-shine at night.
    Do not stand at my grave and cry,
    I am not there; I did not die.

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  24. Praying for you during this time!

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  25. So sorry for your loss sweet girl. Sending love, prayers and thoughts to you and your family. May God's grace cover you all.

    Love in Him!

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  26. This was just beautiful and so heart felt. Brought me to tears. I love my Grandfather (Papa) more than anything, & I feel that relationship with grandparents is SO important to have. If you haven't already, read "Heaven is For Real"... great book & really helps bring light and hope when coping with the loss of a loved one. God bless you and your family!

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  27. Megan, I am praying for you and your family. I hope you find peace in knowing that you Memie is with God and loving life in Heaven. There will be a day where we will be reunited with the loved ones we have lost, but until then i know you are grateful for the time spent with her. God Bless <3

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  28. so sorry for your loss.... that was a beautiful eulogy!

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  29. Sorry for your loss. It is so hard to go through losing someone you love so much but you know they are in a better place with the Lord. Sending prayers up for you and your family. xoxo

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  30. Truly sorry to read this post, my heart is aching for you. I know how deeply my granny means to me and can only imagine you hurt. Wishing you peace with my condolences.

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  31. I hope you know how much I enjoyed this and NEEDED this. As we speak I have two grandmothers both terribly ill. These words have came peace that I have been looking for. Thank you so so much! and I am so GLAD you shared. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers!

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  32. This post and your speech brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. I am so sorry for your loss, Meghan. Your Memie seemed like such a beautiful person inside and out and I hope that her memories will bring you joy.

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  33. I called my Nana immediately. Your post was lovely and I'm sure she is smiling knowing how you feel and what you read. There is no better feeling in life than celebration and recognition from those who mean the most and she got both. Your family will be in my prayers and may her memory never fade in your mind as it will never in your heart.

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  34. Your words were a script from God. That was beautiful and I cried in my office at work. I know how your heart feels, it will always be there. My grandmother was a huge part of my life also and I think of her everday. You know she is watching over you, and you got to spend Christmas 2011 with her. I will keep you in my prayers.

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  35. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post in honor of you lovely Memie. Brought me to tears...she sounded like a fabulous strong woman. I hope that each day you are brought with joyful memories.

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  36. What a heartfelt post. Thank you for opening up about the sad things in life as well as happy. Your grandmother led a beautiful, meaningful life. She undoubtedly inspired you to live the same way. I am _so_ sorry for your loss. I hope her spirit within you and fond memories soothe the pain.

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  37. What a heartfelt post. Thank you for opening up about life's sad parts as well ad the happy ones. Your grandmother led a life full of meaning and beauty. Undoubtedly passed that on to you. May her spirit within you and fond memories
    help soothe the pain.

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  38. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Grandparents are so special! I'll pray for you and your family to find comfort and peace through this difficult time. Your grandmother sounds like she was very special woman!

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  39. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. My grandfather passed away last Monday, Jan 2nd, after a courageous battle with cancer, and his funeral was Friday the 6th. You and I have been leading sadly parallel lives this past week. Sending hugs to you! Even though I'll miss my grandfather tremendously, I feel encouraged to know I have another guardian angel in Heaven, as do you! <3

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  40. So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Memie. My heart aches for you. Your thoughts and words about your grandmother are beautiful. She reminds me of my MaMa. I know that she will live on in you. Praying for peace and healing for you and your family.

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  41. Thank you for sharing this post, I'll be honest I almost skipped reading it as I just lost my Memaw on Christmas day. You grandmother sounds like a gem. I sure felt that way about mine. It's odd mourning someone who couldn't wait to get to heaven so I find comfort in knowing she's exactly where she's prayed to be.

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  42. What a beautiful eulogy for your grandmother. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  43. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother unexpectedly 3 weeks before my wedding last year. I can empathize with your grief.

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  44. I am so sorry to hear about your Memie, it sounds like she was a wonderful lady and you paid a beautiful tribute to her. I love that she lived her life by those fruits of the holy spirit, such a special way to be reminded to live each day the best that you can. I just happened upon your blog today...firstly, unfortunate that it was on such a sad day, but I do think it is a darling blog and I am so happy to have found it. Wishing you lots of strength, thoughts, and prayers!
    Toodles,
    Twirling Clare
    twirlingclare.blogspot.com

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  45. Oh sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss. It brought tears to my eyes reading your sweet post. Thoughts and prayers are with your family right now. XO

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  46. Oh man, SO so sorry for your loss..Very sweet post!

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  47. So sorry for your loss- such beautiful words you wrote! She sounds like an amazing woman. This post makes me think of when my grandmother passed away in 2006, I always like to think how lucky we are to have had people that had such an amazing impact on us even if it was for just a short time. Not everyone is lucky to have had those relationships.

    P.S.- I wore that exact same uniform in elementary school!

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  48. so beautiful megan. really.

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  49. so beautiful megan. really.

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  50. So sorry for your loss- she sounds like she was an incredible woman. The world and your family are surely better because of her. Big hug to you!

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  51. I'm so sorry about you and your families loss. My grams is someone I am closest too, and I know how special and close they can be in our hearts!! I will definitely keep y'all in my prayers.
    xoxo

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  52. This is one of the most beautiful blog posts I've ever read. I am so sorry that you lost your grandmother. She seems to have been a wonderful lady. The way you wrote about her and the traits you said she had remind me of my own grandmother, and this post reminds me to cherish her and not take one day for granted with her.

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  53. Beautiful post. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother.

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  54. I am so sorry for you loss, I lost my grandmother last March. This was a beautiful post- it brought me to tears! what a great way to honor her. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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  55. I know you don't know me-- but love your blog! My Mimi (different spelling... but same sentiment) was the most wonderful woman I know and passed away just a week before Christmas. We used the same Afterglow poem! Prayers for you and your family and may both of our classy, lovely Memie/Mimi's enjoy eternity!

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  56. My Nana died just last month, and that same poem was on her prayer card, and it made me smile because that is how she lived her life, and I am sure how your grandmother lived hers. My eyes filled with tears reading it again, and I can definitely relate to how hard it is to lose a beloved grandmother. Thanks for posting!

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