Most photographers I know, like to listen to some sort of music while they edit their work. I am no different. I like my editing process to be a peaceful thing, so I tend to listen to tender Piano hymns. This particular one popped up the other day immediately flooding the room with so many memories - and I started crying; good tears, mind you.
My paternal grandmother, Lillian - oh how I loved her so. She was and still remains to this day, my favorite of all my relatives (no offense to those who thought they got first place). I grew up on in rural Iowa, so I always had to take the school bus to get me home to the farm; we only lived about a mile outside of town. I can remember purposely missing the school bus on many an occasion and walk to my grandma's house instead. My parents knew the strong bond we had, so they normally wouldn't be too upset.
She was the sweetest granny a girl could ask for, and the result of all my fillings in my teeth! My grandmother taught me so many wonderful things, that I still carry with me to this day. She taught me how to bake; something that comes in super handy for my adult life and baking for the holidays, birthdays and other celebrations. We would spend endless Saturday afternoons baking cakes, cookies and homemade bread. While we waited for the goodies to bake, we would bring out the cards to play Kings-in-the-Corner or Go-Fish. After so many games of Grandma "letting" me win, we would draw. I would like to think that some of my artistic ability came from her.
There were times that Granny would have me dance for her; normally before her afternoon nap. I can remember how she would bring out old dresses, jewelry and a purse or two. Then she would wind up her music box and watch me twirl away. It didn't occur to me until this afternoon, that the tune I danced to so many times, was this very hymn - a favorite of my Granny's.
In addition to baking, my grandmother taught me how to crochet. I still remember how to do it - kind of like riding a bike, you never forget. My grandma would spend untold days, weeks and months crocheting beautiful afghans. Now, I'm not as talented as granny was, but my daughter loves it when I crochet her a winter beanie. I still have a beautiful lavender crocheted afghan than grandma put all her love into - that still smells like that sweet lady. Actually, a wrapped quilt is stored away inside an airtight tote that fills my senses with her "smell" whenever I need a pick me up!
My grandmother taught me never to swear, never to steal and always be honest - because God saw everything. It was expected of me to be kind and respectful to my elders - something I rarely see in today's culture. In addition to, I was to thank our service men and women when I seen one - because they were out there sacrificing their freedom for ours. I can remember riding in the car with granny to a nearby town and prompted to go shake a particular young man's hand, who had come home to see his family. This is something, like many of granny's lessons taught, that has stuck with me my entire life; and so I've passed it onto my daughter. Anytime she sees a member of the military, she promptly walks up to thank them, striking up conversation of where they're been in the line of duty. The elderly gentlemen at our local Hy-Vee especially like this! Oh the stories they could tell! And just like I did, my daughter could sit for hours listening to their "war stories" with eyes gazing wide with amazement!
Of all the teachings my grandma gave, the greatest came in the form of a baby in a manger. She advised to ALWAYS rely on God for everything. There was never too big or small an issue that God could not handle. Spend time with God daily - in prayer and study his word. Such a wise grandmother I had growing up. She had such a precious walk with the Lord - and I strive daily to have just the same.
Sadly, my grandmother was taken from us in September of 2006 - right around my birthday. It took me 9 hours to "come home" from where I was attending college. I made it just in time; my aunt explained that even in her coma, my grandmother hung onto life, so that I could come say goodbye to my beloved Granny. I remember holding her hand, whispering in her ear all the sweet things a granddaughter could say. I kissed her on her cheek, as she had done so many times in my life, told her I loved her and she peacefully went on to meet her maker.
Grandma always told me to walk with Jesus and be close to him. Even in our last moments on this earth, Jesus is walking by our side and holding us ever so close. He waits. Then, when we take our last breath in this life, he is there with his hand extended to welcome us into our eternal life, where will walk by his side for eternity. "Let it be, dear Lord, let it be."
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