One hundred years ago today, my loving grandmother was born a twin. Unfortunately, her twin brother only survived a few months. Being one of the eldest of twelve children, she lived to marry, have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren before she passed away at a little more than seventy-one years of age. Left to mourn her loss along with her immediate family were brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
I’m sure each and everyone could claim a special bond with her for her heart was huge and her family was the most important thing in her life. I practically lived with her from the time I was born until I was a young teen. In hindsight, I would have continued to stay until her dying day had I only known she would have been gone from my life when I was only 21 years old.
Happy Birthday, Mamaw, as you turn 100!
A sweeter, kinder, gentler soul I’ve not known. Perhaps I’m biased although I’m convinced each person she encountered in her lifetime would describe her in the same manner.
At a young age and certainly not knowing any better, I asked if she thought God had punished her with her only son being born handicapped. Her response was, “Goodness no! I thought God had blessed me cause He thought I was special enough to take care of His special child!” Bubba was born with Spina Bifida. Although the doctors at the time thought he wouldn’t live more than five years, through Mamaw’s tender loving care, he lived to be 61. I had always known she was exceptional, but in that moment, I knew she was a remarkable person and parent and God had truly blessed her with patience, perseverance and an abundance of love to share with one and all.
Mamaw was a woman who enjoyed writing her thoughts down through poetry or prayer. Fortunately, each of us has copies of her words even though she had thought to destroy them at one time. Thankfully, she allowed my aunt to take them and then my cousin painstakingly typed each one and made copies to share. I can enjoy her beautiful spirit by reading those words at any time.
Even though she has been gone for almost twenty-nine years, I can still see her face and hear her voice. Sometimes she visits me in my dreams. I relish those times and know even though she’s no longer in this physical world, she’s still a precious part of my life. I know she’s proud of her family and can’t wait to be with us again. We were blessed for having been loved by her and we all miss her to this day.
