I have been a bit neglectful of my blog lately, and that comes partially from avoiding this post. I haven’t wanted to write about my Grandma Lois passing away this September 7th, even though I have been thinking of her every day since she passed. My blog has always been a place where I capture significant moments of growth and record memories I don’t want to forget. This post fits here, although it feels different than others. Her death feels more real as I write about it, and I just feel sad. I’ve been sad for three months now, and even though I’ll continue to grieve, I still want to honor her memory. Her life has helped shape who I am and I am blessed to have her in my family tree.
My grandma Lois met my grandpa Glenn, the boy next door, when she was 14 years old. They lived on neighboring farms in Normal, Illinois and fell in love, marrying when my grandma was sixteen! I love hearing stories about their love and relationship. How he would flip his porch light on and off to let her know he got home safe, how she would tease him and prank him and make him laugh. They raised six children together (my dad was the baby!), and they have nineteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren! I have always considered myself to be immensely blessed to have a large family, and I thank my grandparents for their faithfulness to each other and their love of their family.
I was blessed enough to grow up with my grandparents next door as neighbors, and I have so many memories of living near them that I cherish: eating delicious pot roast dinners at their house, watching my grandma water her dahlias in the back yard, watching cartoons and movies together, eating popcorn and discovering ice cream sandwiches, celebrating birthdays together, learning to ride a two-wheeler in front of their house, racing my brothers across both of our backyards, watching my grandpa and dad build houses together, and even witnessing my grandparents flirt with each other! I feel so blessed to have experienced a couple that truly adored one another. I look forward to growing up together with my own husband, and I am thankful I have gotten to witness such a beautiful love story.
It has been so hard to watch my grandma live without my grandpa for the five years after he passed away. She missed him everyday they were apart, but looked forward to see him again in heaven. I am so grateful both of my grandparents became Christians together in their teens, and I am thankful they are together now! I am thankful that I get to see them again as well! Thank you to my grandma Lois, for living a wonderful example, and for passing on your appreciation of beautiful things.
”Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:44-45
I’m so sorry for your loss, Blaze. She was beautiful! I love the old pictures :) What a blessing to get tot grow up with such wonderful grandparents. I think you look like her too :)
I’m so sorry for your loss, Blaze! What a wonderful, sweet remembrance of her. Beautiful, strong women run deep in your family, eh?!
I am so sorry what a beautiful woman!
this made me feel sad too. I’m so sorry for yours and your family’s loss, Blaze. <3 I think writing this post is such a beautiful way to honour your grandmother. she looks like such a beauty from these photos. :) my paternal grandma passed away 8 years ago when I was 9 and I remember leaving early in the morning to go for her funeral and thinking that the skies knew how I felt. I feel so helpless, losing her when I was far too young and I'm scared that I might not be able to remember her fully but I know the most important and best memories of her will forever be with me. my maternal grandpa passed away just 2 years ago and I regret not being a better granddaughter to him when he was still around. here is to our grandmothers, grandfathers and the love they had for us all. :) xx
I am so so sorry for your loss! You have written a beautiful tribute to a very BEAUTIFUL lady. Love the old pictures…cherish the lovely memories. HUGS to you!
Thank you everyone! Your kind words mean so much to me and my family! She really was so beautiful, inside and out. ♥
What a lovely eulogy, and such sweet pictures to accompany it. I am sorry for your loss. My grandfather passed about three years ago and it is still so sad for me to think about. He was not just my grandpa, but also in so many ways my friend. It sounds like your grandma was the same for you. I’m so grateful we will get to see them again.
It is so joyous that she’s where she should be, with the two loves of her life :)
Beautiful memories Blaze!! I know the memory of your grandma will continue on in your home and your hearts <3
I don't think I realized how much Sam looks like your grandpa! Handsome guys :) xoxo
Very beautiful post on your Grandmother. This brought a tear to my eye, but boy she seemed to have a very beautiful blessed life with her family all around her. They sure where a handsome couple!!!
I forgot to mention, from photos of you, I can see you have her eyes :)
Such a good verse. And I’m sorry for your loss. What a legacy!
Those photos are *perfect* and I wish I had photos of my grandparents embracing. Something more tangible than memory, although memory will suffice, right? :)
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