Precious Memories | My Grandmother’s 88th Birthday!

Do you ever have those precious memories in your life that you look back on and hope you remember forever?

One of those precious memories happened for me this weekend. My Grandmother (Mamaw), on my Mom’s side, turned 88 on August 3rd. For her birthday, I went with my parents to see her and spend part of her Birthday with her. Enjoying this time with her made me think back to all of the sweet memories that I have had with her over the years. She has always been there for me and has always been very special to me. For as long as I can remember she has always given me her undivided love and attention.

My Mamaw is one of the sweetest, most hard-working women I know. She is always taking care of everybody else and never asks for anything for herself. She is compassionate, tenderhearted, loyal, generous, patient, and humble. She has a thankful spirit and does what she can to invest in the lives of others. I am one of her 10 grandchildren and the number of great-grandchildren seems to grow every year. She has truly been blessed beyond measure, and I am thankful to be a part of her legacy.

Growing up, I was able to watch her stand by my Papaw’s side till the moment he went to Heaven to be with Jesus. Their faithfulness and commitment to each other throughout their lives was such an encouragement to me. Their marriage showed me what true commitment looked like and how it could last “till death do us part”. My Papaw loved my Mamaw and did everything He could to provide for her before and after he passed away. He always told us to “make sure she gets whatever she wants when I’m gone”, and he made sure we all knew that she deserved it! He worked his whole life to provide for her and wanted to take care of her even after he was gone.

Even now, I get emotional when I think back on their relationship. I long for that kind of commitment and loyalty when I get married. I want to be able to build a family and invest in the generations to come – just like they did. It also breaks my heart that loss is real and part of this life on earth. To love someone dearly with all that you have knowing that after they are gone you can live with the hope that you will see them again one day in Heaven.

Spending time with her reminds me that she will not be here forever. My time with her is limited and precious. I do not need to take this time for granted or pass up opportunities I have to spend time with her. Each moment I get to spend with her is a gift and a memory that I can cherish forever. I hope and pray that she will be able to be at my wedding someday, and even the birth of my children. She has faithfully been a part of all of the special occasions thus far in our family, and I hope she can be a part of mine too!

Investing in future generations is so important to me, and maybe that is partly because of her influence and investment in my life. She has left her mark on me and given me a role model to look up to. I can only hope and pray that I can be a great mother and grandmother like my Mamaw. Building memories that last a lifetime and a legacy that lives on after I’m gone.