Grandma

Current mood: nostalgic
One week ago today my grandma died. She was almost 85 years old. She had been sick with cancer for 2 and a half years, and never wanted treatments, but it took its sweet time to finally take her life. She been unwell for so long, gradually getting thinner and weaker, and she had such trouble breathing. She lived in Saskatchewan, Canada, so I only saw her once or twice a year. I last spent time with her in August. At that time, we thought she wouldn't live more than a month or two longer. Anyway, my mom was with her when she died. She spent her last 2 weeks bedridden. She was such a faithful woman. She continued to pray for the "sick and the lonely" even 2 days before her own death. My mom said that the night before Grandma died she was very restless all night long, but when the nurse's aid came in the morning to turn her and give her some medicine and said good morning to her, my grandma said "it's a good morning". Within half an hour she passed away. That is such a testament to how she lived her life. I went to Saskatchewan for her funeral this past weekend, and so many people mentioned how positive Grandma was, and how she continued to have such a good attitude, even through her long illness. She was so affirming to everyone around her, and incredibly gracious. Even in her last days, she was really interested in what was going on in other people's lives. I always took for granted that my grandma cared so much about me and what I was up to. I now realize more fully that she really genuinely cared about that. Something I found to be amazing is what Grandma said to her pastor in a visit in the past few months. He noticed that she was getting much weaker, but she told him that her inner being was getting stronger everyday. She remained so strong in her faith. I am glad my grandma isn't suffering anymore, and that my mom, aunt, and uncle don't have to watch their mother in pain and dying anymore. But I will really miss her in my life. I am really inspired to try to be more affirming of people, to be grateful everyday for everything I have been given, and to be more aware of God in my daily life.