Remembering Me-Me

My beautiful grandmother "Me-Me" (my mom's mother) went to be with Jesus on Saturday morning.  She had battled with Alzheimer's for over 10 years.  Such a tragic, terrible disease.  But we have hope because we know that Jesus is her Lord and Savior, and that she has life eternally!  Free from sickness, from pain and tears!  She is fully restored and redeemed.

Me-Me with Emma when she was about 6 months old

It is still a little hard to say goodbye this side of eternity...she meant so much to me and will always be remembered.  She loved my Granddaddy so much, and he stood by her side and cared for her as long as he could.  Some of my favorite memories...

• Racing with sister to the screen door, creaking it open to hear Me-Me call "You-hoo!".  She always did.
• Her hands, wrinkled and soft, spotted with age.  Anyone else remember their grandmother's hands?  I loved holding them, looking at her fingers.
• Watching my mom and her together.  I just loved watching them talk with each other...such a sweet, close bond.  
• Me-Me's gentle voice, always kind and patient.  Even Alzheimer's couldn't phase her gentle personality.  I never heard my Me-Me raise her voice.
• Orange cake.  It is the only cake I ever remember her making.  I'm sure she made others, but it was everyone's favorite and always present at family dinners.
• Teaching me to snap green beans.
• Canning crab-apple jelly from crab-apples picked from a tree in her yard.  I thought it was the most amazing thing.
• Week-long vacations at Me-Me and Granddaddy's house in the summer...just me and sister.
• Cinnamon toast for breakfast 
• Sweet tea with lemons...along with Dr. Pepper for my granddaddy (his favorite).  
• Playing Old Maid, Go Fish, Uno, Monopoly...
• The cards she sent me on every birthday and valentine's day.
• Paintings and sketches she made...she had such a talent for it.
• Watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy while eating "dinner" (lunch)
• The irises she planted in her yard...Mom moved some of those same bulbs to her house.
• Times she helped me write letters to their sponsored child across the world.  The love of Jesus truly shone out of her heart.
• Watching her face light up every time she met Emma.  Even though she never remembered her, each time she was overjoyed to find out she had a granddaughter.
• The last conversation I had with her (over a year ago).  She didn't seem to recognize me in the beginning, but for moment she smiled at me and said, "oh honey, you're all grown up!".

We will never forget you, Me-Me!  Thank you for all the memories you gave me that I can share with my children and grandchildren.  Thank you for all the love you poured out to us, for all the times you listened and consoled, all the times you taught us to care and love others.  We are rejoicing that you are Home, dancing with Granddaddy!  Looking forward to the day we will see you again!  We love you!