Tribute to Grandma

A year ago today my grandma, Reeva Ruth Richard Blake, passed away on her 92nd birthday at 9:04 pm in Eufaula, Oklahoma. She was surrounded by family. She waited for many of us to travel to her. We all took turns talking to her and hugging her. Though she couldn't talk with us, we know she could hear us. We all sang I'll Fly Away to her and Aunt Barbara even made a carrot cake - grandma's favorite. Margaret and Barbara went to great lengths to care for her and help her to feel more comfortable as her time here on earth was ending. We all know her spirit still lives and we saw her fly away home during the great lighting storm that broke out the moment she passed away. I just heard word from Jill that the sky is lighting up there again right now.

That night, while partaking in the storm, I lamented not having served my grandma more. She served all of us her whole life. Then the thought came to me: I can serve grandma by nurturing and serving my own family. I can love them and serve them and teach them. That's what she would want me to do for others. That's what she did for us. Fleeing our Egypts, through our wildernesses, we all took refuge at grandma's house to be fed and nurtured.

She nurtured and fed us physically - Biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, beans and cornbread, green beans and fried potatoes. Always something on the stove for visitors and family.

She hugged us. She kissed us. She bathed us. She combed our hair.

She nurtured and fed our spirits. She took us to church. She taught us of God's love. She taught us by example. She served us. She loved us.