I want to take a moment to remember my husband\’s grandmother - Jewel. On September 5th, Paul\’s grandma had a stroke. She was in the hopsital until the morning of September 10, 2004, when she quietly passed away - her children at her side.
Grandma Jewell is my mother-in-law\’s mother. Grandma Jewell had beautiful blue eyes and a spirit that sparkled just like them. She was spunky and upbeat, always ready to tell a story. She was hilarious, though I don\’t think she tried. Simply, her approach to life and perspective on life drew laughter and giggles.
We last saw her in June 2003. I only have a few pictures of her (the kids always get most of the camera time). I only have a few visits with Grandma Jewel in my nearly 10 years of marriage to my husband, but I have many precious memories of her.
On our last visit, my daugher was just 1 and nephew only a few month older. There were lots of bottles, and Joel had his sippy cups… Grandma Jewel took great care of the tired mommies, and washed every bottle. She was ON TOP OF IT. I see that as a precious gift of time to me, and a special act of love for her great-grandbabies.
She gave us her bed when we slpet at her house. She slept on the couch! I dare anyone try to chanage her 80+ year-old mind!
She was always cooking something up. From what I\’ve been told, she has always cooked and cooked for everyone. Naturally, that is what she did for us. We were a pretty busy group, and couldn\’t always eat at home, but she was definitely prepared - always offering…
She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One room had pictures of each family. With 4 children - there were a lot of pictures:)
I don\’t remember when I spoke to her last, but I remember the last conversation I had with my mother-in-law before her stroke, only a couple of weeks ago. She asked if I was showing yet. I rememeber feeling touched she asked. She is known for her philosophy on children - they are a lot of work! I wish I could have spoken with her since I became pregnant with #3…
She was a Christian woman who passed that heritage to her children. I admire that and am grateful for that. She raised a wonderful daughter, who in turn, raised a wonderful man who became my husband - my children\’s father.
Her eyes were blue. My children\’s eyes are blue. OK, my eyes are blue, and so were my great-grandmother\’s… But it has always been a point for conversation. Where did their blue eyes come from? I know Joel and Olivia at least got a good chunk of Grandma Jewel\’s striking blue, as well as a healthy dose of her spunk and zest for life.
Today, my husband is in Oklahoma, attending the funeral. I wish we all could have gone. It is probably wrapping up about now. I do not pray for her, I am confident she is rejoicing with and resting in the arms of her Savior today. I do pray for the family, for my mother-in-law and her siblings, for my hubby and my father-in-law. I pray each member of the family enjoys the time they have with each other. It is not often so many gather together. I pray the spirit of mourning quickly passes and that the joy of remembrance replaces sorrow. Knowing where they came from, I\’m certain there will be laughter…..
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