Granny

My sweet and precious Granny went to meet Jesus last Sunday, April 28, 2013, peacefully in her sleep. She wasn't sick, she wasn't in the hospital, there was nothing "wrong." She was 92 years old, had lived a full life, and was just ready to go meet her Lord and my grandad.

But I will definitely miss her!

(this was taken just two weeks before Molly was born, her first and only trip to Muddy's)

My mind has only really just begun to realize what a void she will leave behind. Granny moved from Waco, Texas (my dad's hometown) to Memphis in 1999, to be closer to us and my uncle's family, who also lived in Memphis. 

circa 1986, with cousin Whitney (left), sister, and me on the right

Like she always did, Granny rose to the occasion, and quickly made friends in her condo building. After growing up without any grandparents in town, it was such a treat to be able to see Granny so often, and at every birthday celebration, every holiday. We made her famous sugar cookies together one year (or she made cookies, the perfectionist she was!) for Christmas, she knitted baby blankets for many of our dear friends, she embroidered blankets. She was talented at handiwork and loved to keep busy. She loved crossword puzzles, games (especially Skip-Bo and Rummikub), and was a great bridge player (so I hear--I don't play bridge). 

 Easter 2012

Over the past 10-12 months or so, we'd been eating lunch every Tuesday. She moved into an assisted living community (thrilled to be relieved of coming up with meals for herself), and her new place was very close to my office. I was able to pick her up and take her to lunch, and we both really cherished this time together. A natural planner and perfectionist, she always wanted to know what was ahead. As soon as I'd pick her up, before we were even to the car, she'd ask me where we were going (and then if I knew how to get there!). We burned up the lunch spots around Poplar/240, and had fun doing it. 

It was fun going through this whole pregnancy eating with her every week. She was at Juliette's birthday party when we announced to the family baby #2 was coming. I sat down next to her to get her take on the whole thing after the hubbub of the announcement died down. She didn't hear very well in the last years of her life, so I didn't know if she had understood what was happening (Juliette's first gift to unwrap was a "Big Sis" shirt). I said, "Well Granny, what do you think? Did you see Juliette's shirt?"  She so sweetly said, "Well, wouldn't that be so exciting?"  She was very excited when I explained that it was actually happening. :)

My Granny Fran with Molly Frances

I am just so humbled and grateful that she was here to meet her little namesake great-granddaughter. There were so many blessings... she'd gotten to see Molly several times. Jonathan took the most precious video of her (she didn't know he was filming and was just speaking freely). AND best of all, Martha, Molly, and I had just eaten lunch with her the Thursday before she died. I am so so glad. 

The morning we got the news, I was sitting in the nursing mothers room at church, and I had some precious alone time to cry and just thank God for her and her life. His kindnesses to me, especially lately, were just running over and over in my mind...He gave me several opportunities to be with her in her last months without me even really going out of my way.

Christmas 1984 (?)

Guessing here...summer 1985

November 12, 1991

One of my favorite photos...

Granny was buried in Waco on Thursday of this week. It was a lovely service at Waco Memorial Park on an uncharacteristically blustery day (48 degrees in Waco on May 2? Winds of 30 mph?). 

I'm glad we were able to pack up our littles and trek over to honor Granny and her wonderful long life. We took the opportunity to "tour" Texas and visit other grandparents and family while here. Let's just say, we have driven many hours (Memphis-->Waco-->Houston-->Dallas). The babies have really done great! Are we crazy? I painted my nails gold the other night to cope. 

I'll miss you, Granny! I am so thankful to have many wonderful memories.