November 18, 2010

Grandmother

My Grandmother passed away this past Saturday at the age of 83, right after the nursing home hospice chaplain finished reciting the Lord’s Prayer at her bedside.grandmother2My mom told her the day before she died, that God was going to make her a saint, and give her a beautiful mansion. Right next to Mother Theresa. It wouldn’t surprise me. She was the kindest, gentlest, strongest woman I’ve ever known. She raised four children and stayed in a marriage that most would describe as un-happy, until the last child was off to college. She didn’t hold a grudge against my Granddaddy or stay bitter, though, as many women understandably would. She forgave and they remained friends until he passed away in 2002.grandmotherandgrandaddy1editHer obituary reads…

“HOLMES, NANCY FERN BOWARD, 83 of Louisville, passed away Saturday November 13, 2010.
She was a native of Charlotte, NC and was a graduate of Queens College. She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Hikes Point Homemakers and was employed by World Book Encyclopedia.
She is survived by son David F. Holmes Jr. (Billie); daughters Ann Holmes Esterle (Mark), Susan Holmes Stottman (Paul) and Carolyn Holmes Carter (Steve); grandchildren, Katherine Holmes, Libby Holmes, Nathan Holmes, Andrea Esterle, Richard Stottman, Stephanie Mullins (Joe) and Wesley Carter; and great-grandchildren, Summer and Camryn Mullins.
Her funeral will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church. 4611 Lowe Road, with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 4-7:30 p.m. at Ratterman's, 3711 Lexington Road.
Contributions in her name may go to St. Mark United Methodist Church or
Alzheimer's Association.”grandmother4The current minister at the church my grandmother (and I) attended for years and the minister of music that was there when my Grandmother sang in the choir shared the duty of presiding over the funeral service. They did a wonderful job. The service was just beautiful and couldn’t have gone better. She was then buried right next to my Granddaddy, near a huge tree and the duck pond that we love to visit.

My dad wrote an amazing poem for my mom about her mother that I would like to share with you all…

Bounty of Strength

A woman of faith, kind and gentle are what first come to mind

Dignity, smiling and laughing were her traits all the time

But for me her best quality was much harder to see

It was her incredible strength of character

As she devoted herself to her family

When marriage ends

It is easy to point fingers and say “How could you do that to me”

It is much harder to stay above that

And focus on truly what is the most important reality

It may appear to be weakness, to not demand retribution

But it takes courage to make the children your greatest contribution

She knew in her heart that her children came first

So unselfishly she stayed the course yet you know that she hurt

But she would not let it show through, I don’t remember one time

I’m sure there were private moments though she felt she might lose her mind

But that points to the pillar of strength that this women had

Most of us let everyone know when we are mad or sad

But her devotion to always acting in a Motherly way

Helped do wonders for her children

Helped prepare them for this day

The children now adults with families and homes

It was through her great perseverance that

Her son and daughters took heed and made her strength their own

Grandmother has passed and yes there will be tears

There will be memories of her faith and tender kindness throughout all the years

But what I will carry with me, blessed in knowing this kind soul

Is that for her, being a Mother came first as her bounty of strength now shows

IMG_0678editDeath, even when it is expected, is never easy to deal with. But we know she in a much better place now, and will keep her memory and her strength and her kindness in our hearts always.

14 comments:

Becky Jane said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Grandmother! She sound like a wonderful woman...maybe shes visiting with my parents!

how i met your father blog said...

so sorry for your loss. sending many prayers your way

Bernadette said...

my eyes filled up several times reading this. what an amazing woman. ..and when I read Camryn and Summer's names in the obituary...something hit me.
I'm terrible at saying the right thing in these times... I know how much it meant to you to bring the girls to visit. I'm so glad you had the chance to introduce them to her, it's obvious her babies meant the world to her.

My heart goes out to you and your family, doll.

Trish said...

what a beautiful post written to honor her. My prayers are with you and your family.

Carol said...

I am so sorry for your loss. The poem is beautiful as well as the photographs that will insure that her memory lives on. My God wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this time.

Susie said...

What sweet memories!!

jennohara said...

This is an amazing tribute for such an amazing woman! Thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.

Lori said...

I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady.

-stephanie- said...

This is so beautiful. What a terrific lady. Loved all the photos.

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

This was a beautiful way to remember your grandmother!

Ali said...

Beautiful.

Kaileigh said...

Very sweet and beautiful post... I'm sorry for your loss.

Teresa said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and strength, especially when you're not feeling well to begin with.

What a beautiful poem, and the photos are a wonderful tribute to someone who sounds like an amazing woman. You can see that she has an inner happiness and gentleness that wasn't dependent on what or who was around her.

Tiffany Lockette said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I only have 1 grandmother left and I realize I don't spend near as much time with her as I need to. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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