Saturday, May 26, 2012

Miss you already Grandma Anderson

My Grandma's funeral was today in Illinois. Here is what I wrote to be shared at her memorial.

"As Sue's first born granddaughter, let me start by saying that I sincerely wish that I was with you all on this day to remember her for the wonderful lady that she was to me. On our last visit together, I have fond memories of her holding both of my boys & chuckling as they wiggled around while I was trying to snap a picture. I am so very thankful for all the memories that I have of my Grandma, each one touched by her curiosity & sense of humor.

When I think of my Grandma, I think of the Chicago Cubs and of the smell of peppakokkar baking. I think of stuffed teddy bears & a playroom full of books. I remember badminton in the back yard & bowling in the front yard. I love how my Grandma could make everything better with a "bushel & a peck, and a hug around the neck." She was a tremendous lady & a wonderful Grandma.

After reminiscing with my youngest sister, Tabitha, she shared with me that she will especially cherish the memories of baking with her and having her teach all of us about Sweden. She also shared that she appreciated Grandma's sweet spirit.

In her absence now, we are both so comforted by knowing that she has been reunited with Grandpa & her parents in heaven. It's amazing to know that she is made complete, in both body & mind. What a wonderful comfort for us to know that the Lord made visible provisions for her, even at the end of her life here on Earth.

Philippians Chapter 2 encourages us to be imitators of Christ's, being full of humility. Phillipians 2:1-4 says, "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

I personally think this scripture is a perfect example of how my Grandma lived her life, not in grandiose ways but in a quiet way that provided a way for others to see Christ living in her. Although my family and I mourn her loss, I am convinced that God is still using my Grandma's testimony to draw us all closer to him. As you go from this place today, be encouraged that thru her relationship with God, my Grandma leaves a lasting legacy of her love & faithfulness that will live on for many generations to come."

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