I am finally back in the land of Minnesota after spending a bit more time in Iowa than expected. I got there on Wednesday night to begin the festivities for Jennifer and Mike’s wedding. Unfortunately, as we were celebrating the union of two lives, we also had to say goodbye as another life came to an end.

Grandma has been pretty sick for the past seven months. As my mom said, she had just about everything except for diabetes and cancer. Her heart, lungs, bladder, bones, stomach, kidneys and even brain (three strokes) had been afflicting her, but she kept coming back. Each time a little slower than the last, but she came back.

In the past month, we could see the recovery was taking longer. The family began making sure we cherished our time together. Even though we all got together for Easter, we got together again to celebrate the Fourth of July and Grandma’s 86th birthday with a big picnic. She was looking forward to celebrating Jennifer’s big wedding. We all were praying that she would continue having good days and that she would be able to make an appearance.

In a last burst of strength, she tried on her wedding outfit the Tuesday before the wedding. She looked at herself in the mirror – “Is that me?” she asked jokingly while she admired the pretty floral print. Her health quickly changed and suddenly on Wednesday it seemed that she was nearing the end. I gathered up my sisters and brother and we went to Fredericksburg to see her one more time.

In her last lucid moments last Wednesday, grandma told everyone that she didn’t want them to be sad, but to celebrate the wedding – so we did. The wedding was beautiful and Jennifer had a perfect day. It was such a joy to witness two lives coming together to honor the Lord. The family, especially Grandpa, enjoyed celebrating the start of their life together. We all did the chicken dance together at the reception. Grandma passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, after Grandpa returned to her bedside.

As sad as our whole family is, I am thankful that her entrance to heaven was so peaceful and that God’s timing was just so perfect. As I was praying for God’s timing, I didn’t know what I was asking God for. More time? Less? I don’t know. In my head, there wasn’t a perfect time. But God knew and He brought her home right at the right time.

We celebrated her life on Monday and Tuesday. We wore purple instead of black and my aunt gave us pretty handkerchiefs to stick up our sleeve just like Grandma always did. I was able to look through photos and create a video that showed off a few highlights of Grandma’s life and family. My sis kept busy making sure everyone was fed, just like she knows Grandma would have insisted on. Beth and I sang “Goodnight Ladies” for her. I told the pastor about verses in Proverbs 31 that made me think of Grandma and the pastor based her sermon around them:

²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

And now, back in Minnesota, I realize that the hard part wasn’t saying goodbye. It will be in the moments I realize Grandma won’t be there. We won’t take a photo of her holding my baby, her 27th great-grandchild. Rafael won’t ever have the experience of celebrating Christmas in her basement. I’ll have to learn the second verse of “Playmates” from someone else. I won’t get to learn all her recipes from her, but I did find a couple that she wrote down for me as I looked through my recipe box tonight.

But when I miss her, I will never forget to cling to the hope we shared in Jesus:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:7-8

See you later, Grandma. I love you.