see ya soon, mamaw:

these two pictures make me feel a lot of things. they’re the last two pictures i will ever take of my Mamaw. funny how TomTom knew something was happening. doesn’t that say so much about our God though? even animals like to be comforted and to comfort those they adore. as i sat and held Mamaw’s hand, no words were spoken. nothing was heard except the noisy oxygen machine helping her breathe. periodically, she would squeeze my hand. she didn’t have to tell me she loved me. i knew. i’ve always known.

my Mamaw and Papaw are the textbook definition of supercrazyawesome grandparents. one of the things i’m most grateful for is the predictability, familiarity and security that they provided throughout my life. i knew upon arriving in the driveway of their one level, brick ranch i would be greeted with huge hugs in the breezeway of their home. i knew there would be a clear, glass cookie jar full of double-stuffed Oreos. i knew i would find the same old furniture that they have had since before i was born. don’t get me wrong, i like change. i love fast-paced. but oh the wonderful comfort and stability i have always felt in their home. it was a treasure to walk with Mamaw the last few days of her life here. she passed away in her bedroom at home. peacefully.

as i sit and write this, she’s dancing with Jesus and has a fabulous new body. no more sickness. she’s the happiest she’s ever been. how can i be sad knowing that? sure, i will miss her selfishly. there’s a void in my life as i’ve known it so far. but death is a part of life. it’s really a beautiful thing. as Christians, it’s what we live for – to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord {2 cor. 5:6-8}. oh, the rejoicing!

Gladys O’dell McFadden 12/08/1929 – 12/28/2011