Just Heather
Living Legacy

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On Monday night, my grandmother passed away. Her husband of 63 years held her hand, and she was surrounded by her children and several grandchildren. The room was full of sadness as we said goodbye, but it was also full of love and prayer, exactly the way she would have wanted.

Nana leaves behind 6 children and their spouses, 16 grandchildren and our spouses, and 24 great-grandchildren. 24.5, really. I know the upcoming birth of my cousin’s baby will be bittersweet when Nana isn’t there to hold her.

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20130926-092953.jpgShe was a champion baby snuggler, an amazing cook, and a mother or grandmother to anybody who needed one. That’s the legacy she leaves behind — family, by blood or by love, is second only to God.

Nana bought me my first Bible, taught me how to make noodles, and showed me that traditions make memories.

She will be there every time I serve a home cooked meal to a crowd, every holiday when I choose the same menu year after year, and every Sunday when I go to church, though I have a Bible app these days instead.

Things will continue to grow and change, but she will live on in our hearts. She will live on in our kindness. She will live on in our willingness to set an extra plate. She will live on in our service.

My grandma dutifully served God, the church, her husband, and her family — with a smile on her face and love in her heart. And I want to be just like her when I grow up.

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Barbara J. Smith

March 2, 1930-September 23, 2013

4 Responses to “Living Legacy”

  1. Heather,
    This was a beautiful tribute to your grandma. As I read it a tear came to my eyes. Heather, I am sure you will be just like her.

    God be with you and all of your family.

  2. Heather,
    That was a wonderful tribute. I have so many memories of her. She will be missed.

  3. Hi Heather,
    So sorry for the loss of your grandmother. What you wrote is truly heartfelt and reminded me of the recent passing of my father-in-law and daughter’s grandfather. Thanks so much for sharing.

  4. Paula J. Lechner on

    Heather, I found this looking at your Dad’s Homepage & am so VERY HAPPY I did. Our family was one of your Grandmother’s Family by Love adoptees! I can’t begin to tell you what that meant to us as a family with no family close to us for 38 yts. She was truly Wonderful. We loved her, & still do.

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