Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Joy and Peace

A couple weeks before Granny went to heaven, I went to see her in the nursing home. To put it bluntly, she was miserable. She hadn't seen the comforts of home since the night she broke her hip on October 30th. No longer was she serving others, the sole purpose of her life. Instead she was gently managed by perfect strangers. She couldn't get out of her bed without help. Catheters and diapers were part of her new life away from home. Her new reality included a bed sore on her tailbone that went down to the bone.

I walked up to her bed and said hello. Out of her eyes flowed a steady stream of tears. No sounds, just transparent drops of pain. I asked her what was wrong. What can I do, granny? Are you ok?

Her response? Three words. Two of them important. JOY and PEACE. That is literally all she said.

I know that I know my granny didn't feel joy and peace that day. Probably a quiet desperation. Pain beyond imagination. Pain in body and heart.

But, by faith, my granny believed in Joy and Peace. And she was certainly soon to experience the Greatest Joy and Peace.

She has been my inspiration lately, as my heart feels one of the deepest shades of blue. I just keep saying, in faith, Joy and Peace. I know He will bring it.

5 Wonderful Responses:

Lauren Delaine said...

Overwhelmed with emotion. Oh Annie! She was truly an amazing woman that I haven't yet met. But one day...

Annie, I've been thinking about you. I just want you to know that I love you. And that when He brings you to my remembrance I determine to believe from the depths of my soul for you that He is carrying you through whatever season this is. I'm so grateful for you! I'm so grateful that he allowed our paths to cross. And that there is a connection that could only come from Him.

YES! By faith I will believe with you like Granny did! By faith we will press through the hard stuff and find joy!!

I love you!

Dawn said...

I have tears. I know how "lost" you must feel without her here.

You are an amazing woman and I know THAT came from the wonderful woman your granny was.

ThatsBaloney said...

You had such an amazing Granny and example for living life. I don't have anyone in my life even remotely like that. I'm so glad you share these with us. She is my inspiration!

Tracey said...

Oh Annie! JOY and PEACE are definitely two things that Grandma Ida had in abundance in her life! I truly believe that all of her kids, grandkids and even great grandkids provided both JOY and PEACE with every visit and phone call.

She will continue to be an inspiration for many generations to come by so many people! I miss her so much, I can only imagine how you all feel back home.

Love and hugs to you and the rest of the family.

Heather Keith said...

Oh my how I have been missing our Granny the last couple of weeks! I read your post and tears are falling. What timing that I just happened to read it and you always have the most amazing words about our amazing Granny! love you, cuz