Last
week we said goodbye to an irreplaceable part of our family - Nick's grandma,
Donna. Or as we all called her, Grandma Mac. I actually don't
remember ever calling her Donna, she's always been Grandma to me as well.
She was such an amazing woman, I can only try to put it into words.
Her genuine interest for people made her one of a kind. She knew
everything, but not because she gossiped, she truly cared for people.
Even into her last weeks she was thinking about others, writing letters
of congratulation, letters of thanks, and even sending money to a new family of
triplets, wanting to ease their diaper-buying burden.
2
years ago I made a photo book for her 80th birthday with photos and
letters from all her kids, grandkids and their families. As I collected
all the letters and photos, it became glaringly clear that I want to be
the kind of mother and grandmother that she was. She attended every
activity of her children and grandchildren, disciplined with a calm, loving
demeanor, encouraged with prideful love, and had a sense of humor that was
unmatched. She really was a rock for the family. What a beautiful
woman, inside and out.
Grandma
Mac battled cancer for over 4 years and rarely, if ever, complained. She
still went to sporting events, theater productions and bridge club, despite
feeling pretty yucky. The treatments worked for awhile, but eventually
she couldn't keep up and went to be with Jesus.
We're
so thankful we had some time to prepare for her passing and got to spend the
time we needed with her. We know her faith was strong, she was ready to
go to heaven, and we are confident that's where she is now. We miss you
dearly Grandma, but we are thankful that you're whole again!
Here
are 9 of 11 of Grandma Mac's great-grandchildren. This was taken in the
church nursery during Grandma's funeral. She loved them all so much and
they loved her too.
