To Grandma....

When you're young and ignorant, your mind is irrational with the way life works.  You do life with a craving of structure and consistency, and the people in your life are the ones that are in charge of making that happen.  Being born and raised in Hawaii, I never grew up around my grandparents - mom's side or dad's side.  Our family vacations always consisted of traveling to Michigan to see family.  Every single time we came to Michigan, we always stayed with my mom's parents [Grandpa and Grandma Lucas].  It was just expected, and something to get excited about.  
Consistency.  
Simplicity. 
We usually did the same things and ate all the same foods (Grandma's meatballs. Oh yeah.), but every time we'd visit we would see it all through a different lens because we'd be at least a few years older since the last visit.  The thing is though, we'd get older, but really it was like grandma and grandpa stayed the same.  

After Brian and I got married, my grandparents were a huge support to us in so many ways.  Even after we had kids, my grandma was willing to babysit when Makena and Tate were infants if we every needed anything, even in her late 80s!  Grandma and grandpa are just always...there, in a good way.  You really start to believe these people are going to live forever, and almost expect it. 

Last night, my grandma died. 
There.... I said it. 

There was a serious car accident. Grandpa had minor injuries, but her injuries were extensive; lots of broken bones.  My gut told me although she was very much alive and talking for a couple days afterwards, this wasn't going to end well.  Last night the family was called to her bedside around 10pm, as the oxygen she was receiving wasn't helping and her lungs were filling up with fluid.  With tears in our eyes the decision is made to take off the oxygen mask and let God take her home. My uncle reads Psalm 23 and John 14, and we play her favorite hymn off my phone - I Need Thee Every Hour.  I'm so glad I asked her what her favorite hymn was a few days ago.  About 20 minutes later she takes her last breaths - her heart stops beating and a quiet peace enters the room.  She's home. 
Grandpa never let go of her hand. 
"I'm sorry for your loss, folks" the doctor says. 
"[time of death] 23:52"

You see, Geraldine Lucas, my grandma, isn't wasn't just a normal grandma.  She was a beautiful, kind, and generous woman.  She wore blue toe-nail polish. She went through a lot in her life, and I only know bits and pieces of it all.  She had a servant's heart, but was never afraid to tell you "how it is" and at times spoke very bluntly.  She always prayed and made it her purpose to tell others about the Lord she knew so well.  She always had good intentions with everything she did and said. 

Her and my grandpa are soul-mates, married for 65+ years.  Their relationship is one of the greatest examples I've seen of how a marriage should be.  One of the best things about it? 
Grandpa always holds her hand. 
Always. 

I can only imagine what she's doing in heaven right now. Finally pain-free and sitting with Jesus...probably in a garden full of beautiful flowers that she loves so much. Just where she wants to be.  

Grandma, you have touched my life and so many others'.  You lived a full 89 years worth of life and will be truly missed.  You didn't live forever here, but now you live forever in our hearts and forever in Heaven with Jesus.  Rest in peace, and I cannot wait to see you again in heaven someday.  

4 generations, me on grandma's lap

My high school graduation

My wedding in the Dominican Republic

Meeting Makena in the hospital

4 generations