My Grandma: A Eulogy

This is the comfort you can have when your loved ones believe in Jesus Christ, or the comfort you can leave behind when you believe.

"A couple things strike me as I think about Grandma 'Tine. First, of course, are all the great memories of her…all the Thanksgivings and family get-togethers; spending a week on the farm every summer as a young kid: working with Grandpa during the day, a break at 10am for Price is Right, popcorn and sugar cookies, back outside, at some point a game of chess or checkers with Grandpa Bruce (he usually won, but not always!)…and usually some fantastic dinner prepared by Grandma, ever the capable cook. My favorite food was and still is Grandma’s chicken pie. =) I remember her playing the piano at church, I remember her wit and hilarious additions to the conversations around the house—“she left the south, but the south never left her!” I think each of us has our own fond memories, and we are blessed to have shared them with her and with each other.

But quickly, and rightly, my thoughts turn to Heaven. She is there now—do we fully realize that? She is there now and happier than ever. Our loss is her gain, so we can have joy through our sorrow as we realize that truth. As wonderful as her life on earth has been—look at the fruit of her life with Grandpa Bruce! Most of us here are the fruit of her life, either through pure genetics, or at least through the impact she has had on our lives, continues to have, and will continue to have. The Bible clearly says that when Grandma 'Tine married Grandpa Bruce, they became one flesh(1). After a long, fruitful marriage, a few years ago their flesh was separated by physical death. She was so strong to live on—to know her was to know her strength. Yet, as of this week, she is reunited with Grandpa Bruce, and even more gloriously, she is united with God in Heaven. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!...A threefold cord is not quickly broken.” A three-fold cord. I have heard marriage described as a cord that is threefold: husband, wife, and God. Well, today that three-fold cord is closer than ever, for all three reside together in the joy of Heaven.

I think that although she may not have consciously thought about it often, Grandma 'Tine has been awaiting this day for 89+ years. She is home now. And she has been a blessing in her time here with us. Until we join her in our eternal Home, let us live in a way that would honor her and honor our God."

1 – Genesis 2:24, Mathew 19:5, Mark 10:8, Ephesians 5:31