Grandma Anna

I met Grandma Anna 6 1/2 years ago at a family dinner. I was dating Clint and was being introduced to the family. Grandma was there. We instantly had a great connection. She quickly became Grandma Anna to me and my kids.

When someone knows and understands what it's like to experience the loss of a husband there's a connection that doesn't need to be said. That's what we had. We both knew it but it wasn't something that needed to be said out loud. Over the past 6 years Grandma and I had conversations about our late husbands. I would ask her about Chris's death and what he was like. She would ask me about John. These were conversations between the two of us and meaningful. 

Birthday lunch with Grandma Anna and her friend.

Grandma Anna was 90 years old when she peacefully died this past Tuesday morning (Sept. 20, 2011). She had been struggling for the past year especially with health issues.

Clint got a phone call on Monday evening saying that she may not live through the night. We quickly packed up the kids and headed to Michigan to spend some time with Grandma. Her heart rate was only 33 and she struggled to say words to us. We had a precious time with her telling her that we loved her and appreciated all her kindness.

I (will) miss Grandma Anna! Many times she was at our family dinners hanging out and playing cards with us. She liked to win and was always willing to take on a challenge. :)
I will miss conversations with her about what's going on in her life.
I will miss her asking about my life and how I'm doing.
I will miss her smile and laughter.
I will miss the connection we had and the safety I felt with her at family dinners.

I will miss her tenacity towards life. She wanted to be independent, even when she couldn't.
I will miss getting her delicious homemade pies to freeze and have on hand. She enjoyed making those pies for us. She put her heart into all she did for her family.

I will always be grateful for having Grandma Anna in my life, even if for a short time.
I am grateful for how she accepted me into the family without reservation. I am so grateful for her heart towards me.I am grateful for her love for the Lord and standing strong in her relationship with Him.
I am grateful that she now is healthy and dancing before the Lord of the Universe without reservation.

I love you Grandma Anna...