Gramma Mac

It's nice to have a cousin who can write so well- especially today.

The loss of my dear gramma this morning has resulted in much- overflowing thankfulness- and tears- and lots of "mommy, she's with Jesus!" reminders...Good news sharing, remembering, reading.

After a quick spiral down in health over the last few weeks, Gramma McCracken went home to be with her Savior this morning. The kids and I had been praying since talking with Kayly on Friday that Gramma Mac (GG (great gramma)) would somehow be able to communicate her desire to go to her real home in heaven. Miraculously yesterday morning (Sunday night in the States), she woke up suddenly and did just that- and was able to talk with all her 4 kids. This being sweet, as our friend here said "extra-ordinary", grace from the Lord. It's the same extra-ordinarily gracious God who gave me a Gramma that persevered to the very end- that He kept till the very end- and that is with Him now. She was an example, an inspiration, an encouragement- and much more.

Its hard to remember her here- wanting to be with family, wanting their help to remember, wanting it to be more real than it is here- so far away. Its hard to be throwing around the possibility of whether or not to return to remember her with the rest of the family- and friends. Its hard to think of what time we could've spent together over the last 3 years of living overseas- the tea parties, talks, stories, goodies we missed out on. But how can I not be filled with thankfulness?

- for our- mine and hers- great salvation, great Savior
- for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken
- for the resurrection and the life and His promise that he will resurrect her body (with her gorgeous smile and all)
- for the incredible influence of grace that growing up in our family had on me
- for the sweet 83rd birthday celebration we could be at in January 2009- and the visits with her those couple months in the States
- for her generous, loving support and encouragement- how she loved so well her whole life those who left their home for Him
- Surprise cookies
- fun, generous, entertaining packages sent during college (and gift bags all my life) cracker jacks, 2 yrs past the expiration date chocolate, McDonalds toys, George Washington signs and all!- (for my Feb 22nd b'day)
- leftover lipstick on our cheeks
- running up the center aisle every Sunday morning after the Breaking of Bread to Gramma and Grampa's pew- hugs, lifesavers, and other treats
- decorating Gramma's MASSIVELY HUGE Christmas tree every Christmas - with boxes and boxes of ornaments
- the way she played the piano
- singing around the Breakfast room table- edifying songs like "Johnny Trebeck"
- laundry chute fun
- Princess Diana coloring books
- tea parties- with Mrs. Mellon (Gramma) Mrs. Rockefeller (Lin) Mrs. Vanderbilt (me) and Mrs. McGillicutty (KK)
- her obvious, adoring love for Grampa McCracken
- always looking great- oh I need to get better at this!- never remember seeing her wearing pants, ever.
- her giving, selfless hospitality- towards those in need- her widowed sister, visitors, college students...
- for her being able to live in her classy apt all the way til about 5 weeks ago
- to be "babysat" by her and Grampa
- the little note I carried around in my wallet from Gram- with Joshua 1:6 and Psalm 139:9-10 on it

GG's 83rd b'day (January 2009) playing Scottish songs for us all to sing-along with- in a way no one else I know can...




Titus meeting GG (March 2009)


Easter 2009



"Her children rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:28

"So teach us to number our days..." Psalm 90:12

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." John 11:25-26