A Legacy of Love

Grandmother, it's been a year since Jesus called you home. It seems like an eternity. I didn't know one could cry so much. Grandmother, I've cried a million plus tears. I am so selfish when I wish you were here. I know you have touched the nail-scarred hands of our Saviour, walked on streets of gold, and dipped your hand in the crystal sea. I am confident you have seen my mansion and have already made yours a beautiful place! I know you have no pain and I could never ask you to come back here to this fallen world. I know you would tell me the beauty is beyond words ~ which means you are speechless, which is a miracle in itself!

I know you are very much alive, if only my eyes could see. I know you have seen our Father's face, there's no greater place I would have you be. In my heart you hold a place that never will be filled. Part of me went with you but your love is with me still.

It's hard to believe a year has passed since I held your hand and rested my head on your chest as you breathed your last breath. So final here but so infinite for the world that awaits us. What do I do with the tears that overwhelm me?

I've cried a million tears or more. I miss you so much. I miss our hours long phone calls. I have saved all of your voice mails. I love how you talked as if I was there. My voice mail box is full because I insist on keeping your calls. I listen to your calls every week and am so blessed by your voice and your love. I love that you call me "ladybug" and that no one else knew your secret name for me! I know my beloved Jasper and your Scooter have greeted you when you entered paradise. I can only imagine how fast their little tails are wagging!

In my heart you hold a place that never will be filled. The memories you made with me will last forever. The love you shared with me will never fade.

You have been so much of the memories of the last year. Steve blessed me with a new Miata and my thoughts immediately turned to you and your love of riding in my old Miata. I will never forget the day we spent an hour doing your hair and make-up for your church directory picture. As we left your house, you proclaimed we were riding in the Miata with the top down. I objected but you were adamant that was how we were going! (See pics) You won the debate!! And looked fabulous!!

Grandmother, this year has been a gift of knowing that there are many who loved you dearly. The memories you've made with me will last forever. The most wonderful gift you could ever give is the special part that now lives within me. I am learning that where roots grow deep; memories grow forever.

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the comfort of my dreams,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the words of your voice mails,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the pages of our scrapbooks,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the places that we laughed,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the places that we cried,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the laughter that dances in my heart,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the legacy of love that you left for us,

Grandmother, I'll remember you in the stories that were only yours to tell...

Grandmother, more than anything, I'll remember you in your love that still lives within my heart ..

With more love than my heart can hold,

Ladybug

---

Messages

Kelly Anderson

December 14, 2015, 2:45 AM

Beautiful! I am a new MeMaw and your love for your Grandmother encourages me for the relationship I can have with my new granddaughter Jane!

Steve Braden

December 14, 2015, 3:10 AM

Those memories are priceless. She was an amazing lady. Love you guys

Ruth Warner

December 14, 2015, 4:58 AM

Beautiful tribute to your grandmother. You were both blessed to have each other.

Lisa Currall

December 14, 2015, 3:34 PM

Lovely

Chris Hill

December 14, 2015, 5:23 PM

Leah: What beautiful thoughts and memories you've shared. Your grandmother is in a wonderful place and your words are comforting to me. I lost my younger sister two weeks ago today for reasons we will not know for a few more weeks. She's now free of pain and she's along side with her husband who died 10 years ago to cancer; however, my 16 year old nephew has a future that will be difficult without his parents. Fortunately, my sister arranged for him to live with a wonderful family this past year who love him and provides the loving family environment he'll need. And, he knows he has many aunts, uncles and cousins that will look after him, too. I agree with you when you say the most wonderful gift your Grandmother gave to you is the special part that now lives within you. My sister will live in all our hearts and her gift is Damon who we will care and love forever. Your Grandmother sounded fun - perhaps she has a shiny red Miata she's cruising around in today. Keep a smile. Chris Hill

Terry Ware

December 14, 2015, 6:07 PM

Wow Lee, such a special message of love.

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker

December 14, 2015, 6:21 PM

Thanks for sharing this beautiful message!

D Ward

December 14, 2015, 8:13 PM

Lee, how beautiful! You are so special to her! My eyes are full of tears too 'cause we miss her so too- the pictures are wonderful thank you. We love your whole family and it is an honor to love you all. Love, Debby, Don and Chuck

Becky Cole

December 15, 2015, 12:55 AM

What sweet and wonderful memories you have of your grandmother. I have no doubt that she is smiling down on you. ((I love that she wanted to ride in your car with the top down. Precious!!) )

sue ensign

December 17, 2015, 6:57 PM

So aptly put. May sweet memories be our legacy as well, always explained by our love for Jesus.

Stephanie Patchin

December 31, 2015, 12:10 AM

So beautiful Lee! She was an amazing woman in Christ and her legacy lives on through you! I will always treasure her stories and seeing the two of you together. What an amazing love!