Today, I said “goodbye” to my last grandparent. My father’s mother, Verna Sumner Head Boyd Moses McGraw Jones, died last Friday at 103. She lived a lot of life. She buried four husbands. She saw many changes in the ten decades she walked this planet. As my preacher cousin pointed out today, the year she was born Henry Ford introduced the Model A automobile.
Today blessed me in a number of ways. I got to hug and visit with cousins, aunts, and uncles I haven’t seen in many years. Some I didn’t even recognize. Our family is large. My grandmother had eight children, 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and even a few great, great grandchildren.
For the last two days I’ve heard stories about my feisty grandmother who sometimes cussed like a sailor. She loved the color red – evidenced by her choice of hair color. She favored wearing cowboys boots – especially her red pair with the fringe. And she like nothing better than a rousing game of dominoes.
Yes, the day was filled with blessings, but there are also regrets. I allowed physical distance and life’s circumstances to get in the way of relationship. “Could haves,” “should haves,” and “if onlys” kept popping into my mind today. Could have spent more time. Should have visited more often. If only I had known her better.
One important thing comforts me this evening. As we stood today around the mound of freshly turned up earth, my preacher cousin testified to my grandmother’s faith and trust in Jesus. He has confidence that she is now with Christ. She trusted in Jesus as her Savior and Lord. After living 103 years in time, she now walks Jesus in eternity.
I know it is always hard to say goodbye to loved ones, but you will see her again at the table of the our King.