Grandmothers

Both of my grandmothers were very influential people in my life. My Mom's Mom's name was Helen. She married a Marine, my grandfather. She was a very strong woman and was very outspoken, she would not hold back anything. She stuck around as long as God would let her fighting through cancer and the loss of her husband. She was the living definition of resilient. She was a beacon that constantly drew our family back together, especially during holidays. I saw the never give up attitude embodied in her, the no matter what keep loving and praying for those you care about. I spent so much time with her growing up, especially when my dad was sick and my parents were getting divorced. I will always remember our games of Aggravation and Bingo. She would always send cards for birthdays and holidays and though I didn't keep in touch as much as I should have the couple years before she passed, I did have 2 opportunities to visit her before I left for overseas duty in the military. God put it on my heart to visit my family Christmas 2014 in California with one of my sons and then in June I visited my friend Josh with both my sons and got to visit my grandmother again. There was another time our entire family was in California in July, but we did not visit her even though we were 15 minutes away and I regret that missed opportunity because we would not get another one. She got really sick a few months later in November and passed away while I was overseas. I'm glad she is not suffering anymore and I will always remember the straightforward talks about life we had over the years. Long periods of time could go by and even then I could share with her about my life and know she understood. I do miss her even today. It didn't seem real until a few months ago when I finally broke down and mourned for her. I had locked all the emotions up tight and not visiting family after I got back from being overseas made it seem like she was still in California and we just hadn't talked in awhile. It's been almost 2 years since she passed and even that feels unreal. She truly left a legacy in our family that will be felt for generations yet.


My Dad's Mom's name was Jean. She was also a very strong woman. I was able to be there right before she passed away, but again wasn't able to talk to her. She always said when I joined the military "Keep your head down and say your prayers". She was involved in a lot growing up. I still remember going to her college graduation and visiting her at work at the Campus Library until she retired. We used to go to the movies and take trips together and usually would end up lost despite our best efforts. Whenever the song The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) comes on it reminds me of her. I remember many times her putting on the Benny and Joon soundtrack and we'd sing the song in her car as we drove around lost. Her and my grandfather's marriage of 57ish years I believe was the model for what I know to be sticking it out through everything and making marriage work. She enjoyed life and always was trying to explore the world whether on cruises with my grandfather or taking myself or one of her grandchildren around the world. She tried to share that desire for adventure with our family every opportunity she got. She was a beacon for our family that drew us together.


These women represented 2 very different personalities, but equally represented a strength and reliance on God that shown through and truly affected our entire family for the better. Both of their legacies have shaped who I am now and too often I forget what they gave me to share with my own family as it grows. I pray that each day I would remember what a blessing it was to have them in my life.