Today my Mom’s house will be sold to a new family. Since she died in December this was the first priority on our list. It is good that we were able to sell it so quickly, but I’m sad. She bought this house after my dad died so she could be closer to us. She was only there a few short years, but it served its purpose during that time.
Mom loved her backyard. She enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels from her bedroom window as they fluttered and scampered about the yard.
She loved when we would come to visit. I wish I could visit her one more time. But I can’t for that season is now part of my history. A story to be told to my grandchildren and their children. My oldest grandchildren will remember her, but the youngest ones won’t. It will be necessary to keep her memory alive by the stories we share about her.
My own children never met my grandmother, Grace. But they feel like they knew her because I’ve talked about her so much.
I’ve heard it said that four generations after you will most likely know nothing about your life and loves. Really?! After living a long, productive life only 80 years after your death and no one will even remember? That seems so futile.
But is it really?
I don’t believe it is, because God has said He ordained every day planned for us before one of them came to pass. If He took care to plan each day, then even though others may not remember them, He certainly will. It’s important for us to live our lives in a way that matters for eternity, not wasting our time on temporary things. My Mom spent her life on things that mattered. She enjoyed the temporary blessings like houses and such, but she didn’t build her life around them. She prayed for her family every day. She listened to those in need and did whatever was in her power to help. She didn’t waste her time in self-pity, but she sought to better her life by constantly learning and growing. And she did this until her dying day.
I’m sorry this post has turned into a bit of a ramble, but that’s about all I have to give today. I’m sad, and I needed to express it by writing my thoughts and sharing them here.
Do you know the story of your great-great-great grandparents? If so, won’t you share a bit with me? It would sure encourage me on this day when I’m letting go of something, a temporary blessing, that once held a special place in my heart.
Write from the heart 
You have every right to feel sad. A loved one has gone from your daily life. I sympathize. Take heart that she continued to grow until the end. That’s a fantastic achievement. After all, our bodies don’t last forever.
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Francene,
Thank you for that reminder. I have much to be grateful for…she lived almost 91 years (3 months shy to the day!) and she was fulfilled in what God had given her.
Blessings,
Debi
Tears, my friend. I’m so sorry you’ve having to let go of something that so tangibly reminds you of her. What a wonderful daughter you are. I’m sure that future generations WILL know her because of you. I’m praying for you today.
Sheree,
Thank you friend! When can I cash in that hug in person?
My great-grandparents came to America from Ireland. My great-grandfather was an artist. He did a detailed charcoal drawing of my great-grandmother when they arrived in New York. She is sitting on a small suitcase with a couple of carpet-style bags around her. Her chin is resting on her hand and she looks tired…overwhelmed…yet peaceful. My Mom had that drawing framed and put under special glass and it hung in our home as far back as I can remember. My Mom hung it in her dining room when she moved after my Dad died. It now hangs in our dining room. I can see it from our kitchen. There isn’t a day that I don’t smile as I remember the pride my Mom took in telling us that story so many times over so many years. To have something tangible is a treasure! Keeping you close in thought and prayer as you journey through this part of the healing process, Debi.
Cindy,
What a treasure to have that drawing! I have several things in my home to remind me of my greats and great-greats too. We used to think we came from Ireland as well, but DNA testing has proved that my great-grandfather was not the offspring of his registered father. His mother was pregnant when they married and we have no knowledge as to who his biological father might be. Except if we get a DNA match at some point. Such mysteries fuel the desire to search for the answers.
Thank you for sharing and most of all for caring! God bless you friend!
Debi
My thoughts and prayers are with you Debi. You of all people know that she will continue to live on through you and your children. I cherish the memories I have of my maternal grandparents and great grandparents. I don’t know much about the paternal ones, but my moms side has always been close and the times I remember having the most fun was went we went to WVA to visit my great Grandma Santy. She always cooked for us and my youngest brother loved her “stacked” pies. I haven’t found anyone who can make them taste like she did…..think it was her love she put in them. God bless and keep you.
Kathy
Thank you, Kathy! I’ve never heard of “stacked pies.” Are they sweet or savory? Do tell…
Thank you for sharing, Debi – the closing of a chapter takes time. Whenever we visit Canada I drive by the houses we lived in, which included my paternal grandmother’s home. It’s bittersweet because we’re remembering, but can’t go backwards. May God fill you with His sweetness, and make this time into a blessing.
Thank you, Lori. God is helping me each day. And I’m always surprised by the things that make me sad. This one not so much, but the thought of closing her checking account, which will most likely be next week is looming over me like a dark cloud. Right now it feels like I’m still caring for her by paying her bills. This season of my life will end shortly, and I’ll miss her even more. 😦 God is good and the thought that I will see her again one day helps me more than anything else.
Have a great weekend,
Debi
It is very sad, we just lost my husbands dad two weeks ago he was 90 and his mom passed away three years ago. My parents were moved yesterday from an assisted living setting to an adult foster home setting they both are very ill and need round the clock care. It is odd to see ‘them’ so needy and so helpless.
Remembering who they were at one point in time and seeing them the way they are now is really hard, I was stuffing down tears all day long.
Change is very hard.
Sharon,
This makes me so sad for you. I understand completely. And I know God will give you the strength you need to walk this road. You’re right change is hard!
My I’m-not-sure-how-many-great grandparents came to Texas in a covered wagon – mom, dad, and 7 boys. Sometimes I try to imagine what that trip must have been like. Definitely makes me appreciate my car!
You know, the lessons that your mother taught you, that you’ve passed on to your children and that they pass on to their children – those lessons make a difference in the world every day by how you act and treat others. Even if your mother isn’t here, she’s still touching the world.
Katie,
Thank you. I know that I am who I am in large part because of all my Mom instilled in me. She was not only my Mom, but a dear friend. I miss her, but know I’ll see her again one day!
Blessings,
Debi