Christin,
I feel for you greatly as I couldn't imagine living without my Nana. But I have a story that I pray will offer some hope.
Last week I went to a funeral of an elderly family friend. We are great friends with the whole family and he was as much a part of our life as he was theirs. Last December he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment, however, about a month ago they found it wasn't working and he was sent home to live out the last few moments of his life.
During his time at home, he remained just as much himself as he ever was... bringing joy and a smile to all those around him, and not permitting any tears of sadness. His family was around him 24/7 and they were able to share memories and smiles for 2 months with him before he passed. Often funerals are solemn occasions, and it is when the family starts really grieving. But his funeral was full of joy and happiness, and it signified an end to the grieving process, not the beginning. We were all able to tell him what we needed, tell him we loved him, enjoy his final moments, and when he was taken, it was a welcome surrender.
Your grandmother may be living her final moments, but don't be sad, use this as an opportunity to love her with all you heart. Surrender her to the Lord and I trust you will find joy when He takes her. Not everyone has the opportunity to say their final "see-ya-laters"; death often comes unexpectedly and steals our loved ones away, but you've been given this special chance to say all you wish and prepare yourself for her departure. So take it; use it. If you are sad, then cry... its ok to be sad; if you are happy, then laugh... every smile brings blessings; and the best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up (Mark Twain).
Also, in the words of our dear Benjamin Franklin, " It is the will of God that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; 'tis rather an embrio state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals?
Do not grieve the loss of her body, but rejoice in the new birth of her soul.
Father,
I pray your hands would be on this child and her Oma. This is one of those grand opportunities in life (also known as trials) to grow closer or further from you. I just pray that through this, this entire family will be pulled ever so nearer to you. Thank you Lord for this beautiful life you created, and the wonderful story You've told through Mira. Now, as her story is wrapping up, I pray you would remind all those grieved that this is only the beginning of true life. Our bodies will always grow old, but in You our hearts will continue to be reborn, never growing old, never getting wrinkles, never getting weary, only being strengthened in You. Father, bless this woman's heart, and the lives she has created and touched, and send her an abundance of hope and courage in these last of days. And Lord, please continue the story of her life through the ones who are left in her name. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
In Christ,
