My grandma went to be with the Lord today around 2:20 this afternoon. I was the only one with her when she died because it happened so quickly and no one was expecting it.
Because of her declining condition and need for much extra care, she was in a nearby nursing home. She had had a rough morning this morning, but stabilized and even asked us to go for a ride in her wheelchair. We thought it might be getting “close to the end” for her, but we weren’t sure.
After lunch I decided to go back to the nursing home to check on Grandma. I don’t normally go at that time, and I even had fresh coffee in my cup and a somewhat urgent phone call to make, but I felt a desire to check on Grandma first. I see now that that was from the Lord!
“I’m so glad you are here,” the nurse told me, “She’s unresponsive and I can’t get a hold of your mom.” (My parents were taking my grandpa to the emergency room, but that’s another story. And he’s okay now.)
I walked into Grandma’s room. She was sleeping with somewhat strained breathing. The director of the nursing home (who is a Christian) came into the room moments later.
“This would be a good time for you just to stay and pray with her,” he encouraged me.
I informed my family of the situation, and then I prayed with Grandma. I texted Stephen that it could be getting near the end, but I didn’t know for sure. However, just moments later, as I knelt by Grandma’s bed, I noticed her mouth changed a bit. Then I felt her stop breathing. I ran to get a nurse.
“There’s no heartbeat,” the nurse told me. “I’m sorry, she’s gone.”
It was an interesting moment of shock mixed with a real sense of “it’s okay” … and joy that she was in the presence of the Lord now. It was a firsthand experience for me of the “powerlessness” of death. I know I am temporarily separated from my grandma, but there was no sting in that for me (or her!). However, I do know that I am really going to miss her. We were very close.
I am so grateful that the Lord led me to the nursing home just in time for those last moments. I’m so grateful for the director’s encouragement to pray with her right then, as I had no idea she was so close to the end! I am also so grateful for the many conversations we’ve been able to have about the Lord today with many in our “community of friends” there at the nursing home – and we would appreciate prayer for them.
How amazing that we can stand upon this beautiful truth: Because the Lord is in complete control, we can have complete peace.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)”
My guess is that many of you are probably thinking right now about how your grandma or grandpa died. But if they are still alive, remember to take the time to call them, write them, and spend time with them… maybe even journal the things they tell you. Our friends will come and go, but our grandparents are a treasure beyond what we even know.
Wow! Thank you for the reminder that we never know when we or someone we love is going to die. The last paragraph made me think of my own grandmas (both my grandpas have died). One of them is saved and the other isn’t. I need to pray for both of them more. I’ll be praying for your family and the friends at the nursing home.
I’m sorry that you lost your Grandma. I will be praying for you and your family. I’m glad you were able to be there for your Grandma before she passed away to join the Lord in heaven. I wondered if my Dad and your Grandma have met yet in heaven. Few weeks ago, my father’s death was fast and unexpected too. We’re all in shock, sad and misses him very much. Like you, I am very grateful that I got to see my Dad and spending time with him for a weekend before he went back to Bible camp, not realizing that he will die in two days later. And I’m also grateful that he’s with the Lord and that I will see him again someday.
I am sorry to hear of your families loss. How amazing that we need not be afraid of death, because we know where we or our family\friends are going! Praise the lord. I’ll be praying for you and your family at this time. 😀
Susannah
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Thank you for sharing about your grandmother’s homegoing. This is reminding me of the peace we have as Believers even in death. We do not grieve as those without hope. What a blessing that you will see her again! Thank you for the encouragement to make the most of every opportunity with our older family members, they are invaluable.
Could I ask you to say a prayer for my “bonus” family? My step father’s grandson took his own life this weekend. He professed to be atheist. His memorial is Sunday. I am hoping that my husband and 2 teenagers and myself will be able to share the love of Jesus somehow with his immediate family.
I will pray for your family for peace as you walk through this time.
Wow! Sending condolences from New Zealand.
Oh Grace! Thanks for sharing this beautiful testimony….so glad the Lord gave you those last few moments with her. I will be praying for you as it’s hard losing someone you love…but how wonderful that we have hope, that we know it’s only a temporary separation. “Those who love the Lord never say good-bye for the last time.”
I will be praying for your family. I’m very glad she is with The Lord, and I know you are as well. God is so good.
God bless you Grace as you go through this loss again. I remember when your grandma Mally died. Give my best to your Mom- its never easy. We want to have them forever with us & we will!
Such a great word. Thanks so much. What a blessing that you were able to be with her in those moments! I’ll be praying for you! 🙂
Oh, Grace. I’m sorry for your loss. May the Lord greatly comfort all of you during this time. It certainly is a joy to know that you WILL see her again, with Jesus. That is an incredible comfort. But I still hope the Lord will help you through the times you will miss her and feel reminded of her when you wish she could be here to share in some joy that comes across your path. Blessings.
So sorry to hear of your Grandma’s passing, but glad that you had the privilege of being with her in her last moments here on earth. 🙂 I lost my great-grandma recently, and it was rather sudden, as well. She was a strong Christian, and our family was very close. I’m so glad that for believers death is not a goodbye, but only a “see you later!” 🙂 I got to spend quite a bit of time with Granddad and Grandma while they were still here with us, but in thinking back on it later, I realized that what I miss the most is the time I didn’t get to spend with them — the times I missed getting to hug their necks and tell them “I love you,” the stories I didn’t get to hear, or have forgotten… the questions I didn’t ask. It has motivated me to make the most of the opportunities I have with the grandparents I still have left! Thanks for the sweet reminder of the value of spending time with our elders while we have the chance. 🙂
Blessings… and hugs as you move on through these next few days, and the rest of life, without her there. <3
Dear Mally Family,
We all saw this ahead, but it is still a bit of a surprise. May you know in a new way God’s loving provision of strength as you face days of activity without your beloved Mother and Grandmother.
I thought the illustration of listening when the Holy Spirit prompts us was spot on. In retrospect, we often get to learn why it was important to be obedient then and not later.
Love,
Beth
We were saddened to hear of your grandma’s passing. What a blessing that you, Grace, were there with her at the time! 🙂
We are praying for you all to be comforted as you grieve. God bless and keep you as He continues to pour out His blessings on your family. Love and miss you guys!
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20 NASB
What a comfort that your grandmother knows Jesus, now more than ever before. 😉 Sending hugs for those times that you’ll miss her.
Wow. God really is great, yeah? He knows the right time for everything. May he bless you and your family!
Daughter of the Prince of Peace
Thanks for sharing, Grace! So glad you got to spend the last few moments with your grandma! Definitely is a good reminder to be sensitive to God’s leading! Praying for your family and Grandpa Rodgers!!
Condolences from Malaysia. We are praying for God to lavish His comfort and grace on you during this time of grief.
My granddad passed away when I was a baby. Sometimes I wonder where he is. Mom and Dad say his fingers twitched when they shared the Gospel with him(he was in a coma), but I really don’t know… 🙁
May God bless and keep you as you continue to serve Him faithfully! 🙂
God bless!
Charis
To the Mally Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, but praising the Lord that your grandma has reached heaven and is now with her Savior. Since none of my grandparents are believers, we pray that God will bring them to Himself and use our witness before their deaths, so it is wonderful to hear the joy and sorrow you are facing in Christ because you know where your grandma is! She is in a wonderful place with no more tears.
In the midst of your hurt, Jesus is right there with you. May He soothe your hearts and heal your pain as you grieve in Him. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4. May you be comforted in Christ.
Sending love in our Lord,
Christina
Dear Mally Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing. Three of my grandparents have already passed away, so I can understand in some way what your feeling, even though I was so young at the time I don’t really remember. Rejoicing though that your grandmother is now with the Lord. What a comforting, reassuring thought that someday you will see each other again!
I pray you would feel Him walking beside and carrying you through this time. And will continue to pray.
Thank you everyone for your very kind and caring words! It means so much.
Leah: I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I am sure you are hurting so much. May the Lord meet you in the moments of pain and bond your heart with His as you receive His comfort. 2 Cor 1.
Robin: Thank you for asking for prayer – what a tough situation. I pray the Lord brings beauty out of ashes and gives your family wisdom and love.
Dear Grace,
I will be praying for you! Thank you for allowing God to be your comfort…you are an inspiration!
-Elizabeth
I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandma. May the Lord comfort you all with His peace and draw you close to Him.
Love and prayers,
Karissa