Goodbye for now...

Early Monday morning (about 12:10 a.m.), my dad's 98 year-old maternal grandmother, Clella Brown, went to be with Jesus. Her home going was a relief in many ways, for she had spent the last several years in a nursing home suffering with Alzheimer's. We were able to go see her at least once a year, and most times she knew who we were. My best memories of Grandma Brown take me back to the little white house in Newton, IL, where she and my great-grandfather lived as long as I can remember. The yearly gatherings were crowded in the small space, but smiling faces and warm embraces made the sacrifice quite worthwhile. "Clella" and "Jack" were so fun to watch. They had a love that only years of commitment could develop. Jack would tell stories, and Clella would stand by to make sure he didn't exaggerate them. It could get quite comical.
When they went into the nursing facility, Jack made sure the nurses had their beds put together, because they always fell asleep holding hands. Their love kept them strong, even in those final, waning years. Jack slipped away to be with Jesus in 2000, just eleven or so days after we had his 5 generation picture with Ryan. I'm glad we were able to have that moment. From that time, Clella kept him in her heart, often asking, "Where's Jack?" It is amazing how that when part of a person is missing, even in an altered mental state, one continues to feel that loss. Our last trip to see Clella was in January of 2008. We had planned to go out this spring, but that trip has now been moved up to this week.
I am so thankful that Greg, myself, and the children have taken the opportunity to remain close to all the great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and those closer in the family tree. One's history is so important...I often wonder if my kid's grandchildren will visit my home, hold my hand when I am ill, attend my funeral...it probably sounds really odd, but those things are important to me. It is critical that our kids understand their heritage, and that they learn how to grieve and understand death as a means to an end, rather than the end.
So, this will be a busy week, to say the least, but I'm glad that Grandma Brown is through the pain and suffering that her body had to endure...it's all over...she's Home at last!

Final "5 Generation" picture...
Kaitlynn enjoyed taking Great-great-grandma back to the dining room...

The most special time of any visit was prayer and hymn singing. Some of her favorites were "Amazing Grace" and "The Family of God"...she always carried a great tune in a clear, strong voice...

Great Grandma (97) with Allison (2 mos.)...

3 generations checking out the 5th...

Grandma...your life was such an inspiration to me...even when times were bad and you were feeling rough, you always managed a weak smile and some sarcasm which made us all laugh. You spent many years with the love of your life, and were lost without him, often asking, "Where's Jack?" When I heard that you had taken your last earthly breath, my eyes filled with tears...not because your suffering was over and you were leaving this life, but because I could picture your smiling face and "new" body running with outstretched arms toward "Jack" whom you have so missed for the last 9 years. Thanks for the memories...we'll see you when we get there!