From Muddy Puddles to Streams of Living Water: A Memorial Service

Like I mentioned in my previous post, life has had it's ups and downs this year. And it didn't end with Nathan's family visiting.

Near the end of their trip I got the call that my Grandma was back in the hospital, but this time no one thought she would be going home.

A few days later I got another call from my mom. Her kidneys had shut down, it was only a matter of time.

I began working on a plan to try and make it out to California for my Grandma's memorial service. Thankfully the Paulson's were willing to watch my three older kids during the week while Nathan was at work and I had a wonderful friend who was able to book me a standby ticket on a minutes notice when we gave the word that it was time to go. So I packed my bags for Elijah and myself and waited. And waited. And waited. The week of April 14th was the longest week of our lives, especially for those who sat by my Grandma's side and watched her suffer and slip away slowly and in pain. No one could believe how she could possibly keep going as long as she did with her kidney failure. It was devastating and heart wrenching and yet the Lord used it to prepare the hearts of those who loved her to be willing and able to let her go. No one ever wants to watch their loved one suffer. Through the pain she hung in there, taking every moment to be with her family and friends who she loved so dearly. Listening to memories of the years gone by and being held and loved on by her devoted husband, children and grandchildren. I was the only one of her immediate family who was not able to be there in person to say goodbye and I know that was hard for her. It was for me as well. She was unable to talk in her final days, so we truly won't know why she held on but we do know that the Lord knows our days and He had an appointed time for her to go home, where she is now made whole and perfect and is praising Jesus for all eternity.

April 16th was that day.

Had you been with her while she suffered and slowly slipped away, and did not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and then you were with her when the Lord took her home, I'm pretty sure you would have chosen to put your faith in the Lord. I was not there but I was told from family who was blessed to be with her when she left this fallen world and entered her heavenly home that it was a moment they will never forget. For the last 4 days of her life she had become completely unresponsive. She was unable to talk or move or even open her eyes. In her final moments, with many friends and family standing near her and as her breathing became extremely labored, all of a sudden a huge smile overwhelmed her face, she lifted up her arms and opened her eyes as wide as she could and she uttered unknown words as she "flew away" into the arms of her Savior.

Once she passed, the days were busy for the family as they began to make all the necessary arrangements. I got on a flight Saturday afternoon, flew into Vegas where my Dad met Elijah (who was 5 weeks old) and I and then we drove to California to be with my family. I am grateful beyond words that I was able to be with everyone during that time, that we could all be together in honor of my Grandma and be there to support my Grandpa.

The week was filled with its fare share of bitter sweet moments. My Grandpa was already experiencing his "firsts" without my Grandma as he and the rest of the family met Elijah for the first time. Even my parents were meeting him for the first time. It was so joyful and yet so heartbreaking. And my Grandma's memorial service was set for April 22, on Nathan and my 7 year anniversary. The memorial service reception took place in the same back yard where we had said our vows to one another just 7 years prior. Nathan and I were apart that day. And while, I must admit, it seemed strange at first, we will now have a precious date set aside to always remember the life of my Grandmother, and to think of an amazing and beautiful couple who loved each other unconditionally and left their family with the most precious legacy of love. April 22 will be a day to celebrate our love, the life of my Grandma and to be reminded of the incredibly blessed 61 years of marriage that my Grandma and Grandpa shared.

The days were filled and passed quickly as family and friends flew and drove in from all around the country to join in the 'celebration of life' of my Grandma. Sunday evening there was a viewing and Monday, April 22 was her memorial service with a reception that followed at my Aunt and Uncle's house. It was a blessed time of sweet fellowship with family and friends gathered around, supporting my Grandpa and family and reminiscing about Jean Messner. Tuesday morning the immediate family headed to Riverside National Cemetery for her burial service. It was an emotional time as we grieved in the finality of it all. It began to finally hit home that she was truly gone.

Although the moments were tough and tears flowed freely over our loss here on earth, we celebrated the life of my Grandma and rejoiced that she is now in heaven!

~Until we meet again on the other side of the river~

You can read my tribute to my Grandma here.