It's been a while. . .

Especially for my family and friends today. . .

So much has happened in just a short month. My dear Grandmother Ophelia went to be with Jesus on May5. Her testimony is amazing. Her parents did not have a happy marriage and so she was raised by her Grandfather. She was such an amazing Christian woman who raised 2 preachers. Her 3rd son was not living a Christian life but just a few months before she died, he began to get his life right with Christ.

Of course with death the question is always "Was it expected?" The answer is certainly not so fast for Gigi/Torchy/Grandmother. While she was 85 and diagnosed with Parkinsons just 9 months earlier, her life was a happy life. She moved in with my parents 9 right after her dx. She began reading and I would call her and ask what she was reading.

Ophelia went to the hospital on Sunday night in quite a bit of pain and then died peacefully Tuesday night. My dad called on Tuesday morning and said that she was close to the end of her life. Since we live 6 hours away there would have been no way to get there in time to say good bye.

Fortunately the girls and I went to my parents house for Spring Break. We had such a great time with them and with my Grandmother. One afternoon I laid on her bed and watched TV with her. It was one of her favorite shows, Jeopardy. That memory brings tears to my eyes. During that visit she complimented me on my weight. Weight of herself and others always seemed to be a big issue with her. That's what made that compliment so special. I also went to the hair dresser with her. She always went every Thursday but I think this may have been the only time I went.

The last time I talked to her was Thursday night before she died. She called me to tell me how special I was. Why? oh because Gr#ta Van Sus#teran from F@x News was reporting live in St. Louis.

She looked beautiful in her casket. Dad and I spent the day with her as people came and paid their respects. I enjoyed that day so much, of course spending time with my Dad was great but spending that last day with Gigi was something I will never forget.

Olivia and Ava took her death so differently. They were both very curious about the process of death and asked a million questions I am sure. When it came to looking at Gigi in her casket Ava was all about it. Olivia wanted nothing to do with it. In fact at the funeral Olivia sat in the back of the church. I wish I could know what was going on in her head.

Thank you Gigi for your Christian witness you have given me. Your legacy will live on in my life and in my family! I am looking forward to seeing you again soon in heaven! All my love!