From Muddy Puddles to Streams of Living Water: On the Other Side of the River: A Tribute

M. Jean Messner
1931-2013

I haven’t been able to write since my Grandma passed away a few months ago. I miss her so much and don’t know where to begin. How can I possibly put into words all that she meant to me, to everyone. When I sit and think about what to write there’s such a big hole in my heart.

I’ve written this blog for my family, especially for my Grandma who I know was constantly worried and concerned for me and my family, always wanting the best for us and wishing we could be closer. ( We are the only ones who live far away) Now when I sit to write, I know that my loving and precious Grandma is no longer on the other side of the computer screen catching up on our family 'going ons' and ooing and aweing over the pictures of my sweet kiddos. Praise the Lord she is with Him in her heavenly home. But she is greatly missed here.

My Grandma left a beautiful legacy that will continue on. We have an incredible family who loves the Lord and loves one another and that came from the wonderful example of my Grandma and Grandpa. I am truly blessed and thankful to be a part of this family, to have had such an amazing Grandma who loved me and everyone around her unconditionally.

My Grandma loved the Lord. She loved life. And she always looked on the bright side and found true joy no matter what. My Grandma and Grandpa, like Jesus, loved people just the way they were and that is the best legacy they could have ever left, to live a life of love, of loving others, and 61 years of a beautiful marriage and family. My Grandma was so very generous, she loved to give though she never had much she gave from her heart and gave of herself. She was kind and encouraging and always looked on the bright side of things. And she always had fun and made sure you had fun as well! There was no way you couldn’t have a smile on your face when you were around her. She brought the love and joy of Jesus to anyone around her.

I have the most precious memories that will stay with me always, from camping to Christmas to summers spent at their home, of stories of days gone by and poems to treasure and share. But most of all we have our family who embody precious bits and pieces of her, of her sweet character. She will never be forgotten.

I love you and miss you Grandma and I look forward to the day when ‘we’ll meet again on the other side of the river’.

Some of my cousins.

My amazing Grandpa who misses her the most.

My Grandma was an extremely talented poet and writer and I want to share with you a few poems she wrote.

FOREVER

We whispered, "Forever" while the candle lights were glowing

As the organ played our wedding song and as we knelt to pray

And as we danced together, we promised we would never

Forget the word "Forever", whispered on our wedding day

We remembered "Forever" as our children played around us

As we taught them how to laugh & love & knelt with them to pray

Thru all those lean and teen years, we promised we would never

Forget the word "Forever", whispered on our wedding day

On our silver anniversary with our friends & family round us

We renewed our precious wedding vows and bowed our heads to pray

Holding hands we said "Forever, we will always stay together

And I love you more than ever "Forever", every day

On our golden anniversary - with our kids & grandkids round us

With our arms around eachother, we bowed our heads to pray

Thanking God we're still together, that we weathered stormy weather

That we meant the word "Forever", whispered on our wedding day

by: Jean Messner

I DARE YOU TO BE STRONG

To my family, I dare you to be strong

In a world that's topsy tervy sing a song

Keep a smile on your face

Make your world a happy place

Be a leader, be a friend

Someone strong who will not bend

To the pressures of the crowd

With their voices strong and loud

Keep your head up high and go

Down the straight and narrow road

Dear Family I dare you to be strong

To my Grandchildren, I dare you to say no

Be the spark that makes a thousand candles glow

Be the light that leads the way

So your friends don't go astray

Be a leader, be a friend

Someone strong who will not bend

Love yourself and leave no doubt

That no one can buy you out

Stand your ground when the goings rough

Don't give up when life gets tough

I love you and I dare you to say no

To all my friends

You were there when I really needed you

You helped me out when I didn't have a clue

I'm so glad you came along

With your laughter and your song

You'll find directions by God's throne

To my eternal heavenly home

And I hope to see you there very soon

But not too soon

by: Jean Messner

LIFE IS A WONDERFUL THING

Run, skip and jump down your yellow brick road

Take somebody's hand and carry their load

Smile, laugh and giggle & put on a wiggle