At Home in Georgia

Helen Beecham (July 2, 1920 - July 4, 2008)

My grandmother died in her home on July 4.  Her health had been failing for about a year, but the timing was so unexpected, just 8 days after the death of her son-in-law, my Uncle Dale. 

She and my grandfather were married for 62 years, and my grandpa fulfilled her wish to be at home even when it would have been easier for him to have her cared for in a nursing home.  My grandpa is my hero for that.

I went by myself and spent a full day and one night at my grandparents' house a week before she died, and we had such a sweet time visiting.  My grandma was feeling so bad that she'd been unable to play the piano because her fingers wouldn't work right since her stroke, so I played for a while and they both mentioned hymns they liked and I played through them.  I knew it was a special time that I'd always remember, but I had no idea that it would be the last chance I would have to visit like that with my Grandma.

A few days later was Uncle Dale's funeral, and my grandma looked stunning in her new outfit and her hair freshly styled by my cousin, Stacey.  I wish I'd taken a picture.  The funeral was so sad yet hope-filled, knowing that Uncle Dale is in Heaven because of his belief in Jesus Christ. 

Four days later, we received the news that my grandma had died.  The next day was the family reunion that was the reason for our trip to MI in the first place.  We decided to go, and my grandpa went too.  It was a very nice time visiting with extended family.  I was amazed at how connected all of my dad's family is even though we're spread out all over the United States.

Then my grandma's funeral.  The outpouring of sympathy and love from family and friends was so comforting.  I had the opportunity to speak at her funeral, and I felt so honored to be asked to do that.   

Please continue to pray for my family in the loss of these two wonderful people.  We definitely take comfort in knowing that they are in Heaven and that we will see them again someday, but we still miss them. 

Untitled Comment

10:51, Tuesday, July 15, 2008 .. Posted by gabbie427

I am still praying for your family dear. I am so sorry for you loss!!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

A prayer to help you with the grieving process dear friend.

09:01, Saturday, July 19, 2008 .. Posted by Hisirishgem

I sure will pray for the grieving process of those left behind. They're legacy lives within each of you. The time you spent with them was time WELL SPENT. It's a great memory dear friend.

Your family sounds like mine. I'm an only child, but I lived with my gram and dot (nickname for my grandfather) with my parents while they worked full time. We had a great bond and I've been blessed to be great friends with such a close-knit family like yours. Extended 3rd and 4th cousins and it's growing.

It's a shame that families aren't like that anymore, but it sounds like your grandparents and mine (my gram was the last sibling to hold the family patriarch) left a GREAT Legacy to each family member. Those close family units with extended families are unique and don't exhist in every family.

I'd like to think both our grams are uniquely special in every way and hold quite high esteem here on earth with those they shared their love with.

God bless dear sister.((hugs))

Rebekah

I will pray for you and your family!

02:00, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 .. Posted by inthemeadow

I'm so very sorry for your loss! I'm also so glad that they were Christians and are now in Heaven! It's only hard for those of us here, who have to wait to see them again, but not for them! The next time you see them it will be for eternity....how awesome is that!? I pray for your pain now here on earth!

P.S. I saw the pizza hut stand at the festival, and it was tempting me! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog!