Barbara

There are some people that are God-given. 

And that person to me, was my grandmother. She was truly the ultimate gift, hand selected by The One.

Gram had a heart for God. While she rarely stepped foot in a church, his house lived in her soul, spirit, and was always in session in her home. And it was through her, the very reflection of his craftsmanship, that I found his love and grace, as well.

Gram celebrated my uniqueness and taught me to believe in myself. And just as this Angel in Disguise did with me; I ensure that my children know they belong, are infinitely loved and perfectly made.

When times got tough in my life, which happens to us all, she would remind me, “Chrissy, we were never promised an easy life.”

And I grew resilient.

Not by her words alone, but through her example. The way in which she lived her life.

And when I question my faith, I have her. The memory of her. The very testament of God's authenticity. Because he chose her for me and she was surely anointed.

Her light shines bright in eternal rest. Because she still lights my path to this day.

I do my best to live in a way that honors her. And how I pray that it leads me back to her in my final days.

Then, there are days such as today - hard days, when I wish I could hear her laugh one more time or gently hold her arthritic hand in mine: to breathe in deep her sweet maternal scent and to wrap one of her curls, that turned red to to gray to white, over the span of my index finger.

What I wouldn’t do to give her one last birthday gift today.

But that can’t be.

Because she’s not here with me.

She’s with God. And no one is more deserving of a sacred spot in that blessed dimension than her.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Gram. Until we meet again…

“Sometimes I feel like i’m gonna break,

But i’m holding on 

To a hope that won't fade.” - Stephen McWhirter

Love,

“Your Girl”