in memoriam

I have the privilege of being named after both of my grandmothers - two strong women named Julia.  My mom's mother passed away last week, on Thursday evening, March 24, 2011.  Gran had been under hospice care for about three months and there had been some significant up's and down's with her health during that time.  So while her death was not unexpected, there was certainly still a sense of sadness.  However, as our extended family gathered in Gainesville for her burial and memorial service earlier this week, our time seemed most marked by remembrance, peace, & celebration.  Remembering Gran's life and sharing stories - both old & new.  Peace that Gran is no longer struggling with her health or her memory.  And celebration that because she has a relationship with Jesus, that she is fully restored and that we will see her again!

When I think about Gran's life, there are many memories that center around family holiday gatherings.  Beyond that, however, there are several things that serve as a powerful example to me and a source of deep gratitude:

• service to others: whether it was typing Braille textbooks for the blind years ago, taking in a family friend who needed help, or her consistent & varied means of service at her church, Gran chose to use her time, resources, & gifts to benefit others.
• raising four amazing children: obviously I wasn't around for this :-) - but the end product speaks for itself, and I know that Gran had much to do with that.  Her nickname was "Mean Mama" (given in love!) - and I know that I am a beneficiary of the teaching and structure that my mom & her siblings had while growing up.  I am grateful that Gran took her children to church every Sunday, where seeds of the Gospel were planted and watered.  I am grateful that she instilled in her children the values of respect for others, hospitality, and importance of family - all of which impacted how her grandchildren have been brought up as well.
• simplicity and contentment: I don't know if Gran would have described herself as content, but I can't say that I ever remember hearing her complain about anything.  In a culture that is marked by materialism and consumerism, I am very grateful for the example Gran provided of a strong work ethic, simplicity of lifestyle, and gratitude for the many good things in her life. 
• perseverance, humility, & honesty: Gran went through some significant personal difficulties about forty years ago.  I really didn't know any specifics about that time until I was in college and had to do a family genogram project for one of my classes.  When I called her from my dorm for her "interview," I was both surprised and honored by the honesty with which Gran spoke about that period of her life - she didn't make excuses or try to shift blame.  She was a straight-shooter and was transparent about mistakes she had made and their consequences.  And while it wasn't easy, Gran actively took steps to head in a new direction: she got a job, went back to school, and made a new life for herself.  Her life is a poignant picture of redemption - and while there were difficult parts that no one would have chosen for her, I am thankful for the example she has provided about how to face challenges - and not be defeated by them.

And so these are the things that I hope are instructive for my own life - and are the reasons why I am proud to share Gran's name.  (Gran's official obituary can be read here.)

Gran with all of her grandkids - 5+ years ago, but her facial expression is classic!