Monday, April 16, 2012

Grandma Gert

After singing and dancing her way through life, my 92-year old grandmother suddenly passed away yesterday afternoon. She spent the morning in church learning about Heaven, had lunch with friends, picked up some groceries, and then collapsed in the store parking lot- and was instantly in that glorious place she had spent the morning hearing about, reunited with her husband, and many friends and family members, praising her Savior Jesus and dancing on streets of gold! It was just as she wanted- no drawn-out drama, still living independently, quickly whisked away to a much better place. She survived many things during her lifetime, saw many changes in the world around her, touched many lives with her kindness, and will leave a lasting legacy to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
You know I like to remember in 'photo format'- these are just a few I could gather around the house, and just a very brief glimpse at this beautiful woman, my Grandma!!
 At my wedding... she almost caught the bouquet! Oh, to be a few inches taller! ;)

 A few older photos I recently got copies of... love the beautiful wedding picture of Grandma and Grandpa! And then with her first two boys- Uncle Jerry, and the little blondie is my dad!



Exploring the Crystal River nature preserve during one of her visits a year and a half ago...




At Wes and Jen's wedding last year... Grandma always lit up on the dance floor! Uncle Bill- I think she's "boogied down" lower than you in that pic below! ;)



It was great to have Grandma in Tampa for a long visit over this last Christmas. I love this picture of her holding her youngest great-grandchild, our Rosemary, who is trying to get that Buddy dog!

We love you, Grandma, and thank the Lord for being so generous to share you with us for so long! We will miss you, of course, but will strive to honor your legacy by loving our family and friends greatly, dancing and singing at every opportunity, serving the Lord with our attitude and actions, and playing a mean hand of cards while serving up the best oatmeal cookies a glass of milk could wish for!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kathryn- you have a gift for words and pictures that blesses us all. We laughed and shed tears while reading this and thank you SO much!! Love mom

Anonymous said...

Wow! What an amazing woman! That's the way I want to go when it's my turn! That actually sounds fun! Kathryn, you did such a beautiful tribute to your Grandma! I'm sure she's proud of you! We're praying for you and for all your family!
Love,
The Hoefts

Jackie said...

I've always thought you had a gift with this blog of yours. The writing & the photos and how you enjoy & nurture your family.

We learned today about your Grandm & the Jessee's are so sorry. Prayers for all of you.

The Amato's said...

Hey girl. I am SO sorry for your loss. We just lost my grandma too (a week ago). We mourn for ourselves but not for them for they are in a place we can only imagine its beauty. Your pictures are precious! Sarah