Birthday Blues

This past Monday, September 8, was my 33rd birthday. As a child, I remember not being able to wait until I turned 33. You see, then I would be as old as Jesus. All the week before, it was a joke with whomever I talked to about turning 33. And now that I am as old as Jesus, I am just happy that I made it this far!

However, a small dark cloud passed over my celebration. My paternal Grandmother passed away on September 6. So instead of eating cake, (this year I would get double, one for me, one for the baby) I was in a Funeral home having family visitation night. Thankfully, my Daddy fought to have the funeral on the next day and not my birthday. I saw so many faces that I haven't seen since moving away from home 12 years ago. Some were welcomed and others, not so much. It is amazing to me the people that come out of the woodwork! It is sad that it takes a funeral, not a birthday, to get all these people in one place. Life is so busy.

I feel it is only appropriate to share a small glimpse of the woman that went to meet her maker almost a week ago. My Grandmother was one of the most wonderful people you could have the pleasure of meeting. She made everyone feel welcome. As you walk into her house, a huge bear hug was given and a loving kiss on the cheek. Almost instantly afterwards, you were asked if you were hungry or thirsty. And out came the food. I am not talking small things, I am talking whole meals. Two or three of them at time too. I don't know where in the world it all came from. It was just a regular frig. But it could hold enough food to cover an entire table that sat 8. She really didn't take no for an answer either. If she pulled it out, you might as well sit down and get out a fork. Fortunately, she was the best cook. I will never find a pecan pie as good as hers, or fried chicken, or homemade, not that orange boxed, macaroni and cheese. YUM! She never sat down either. Well maybe once in a blue moon, but not often. She was too busy making sure your tummy was full. Grandma was also known for her switches. No belts, paddles, or hands would do. It had to be one of the greenest switches off the bush out back. She would strip the leaves and make you watch. Then you got your licks. Ouch. I didn't get that too often. I actually used to behave myself. She never lost her cool. She was firm without being harsh. Her voice never raised, but was you knew she meant business. She was simple, non frivolous. She loved the word of God. And she had such great perseverance. Hugs were common place with her. There were so many things about my Grandmother that made her so special. Words do not do her justice. She did love a good rain shower. She got one on the day of her funeral. We woke up to light rain and it remained just until it was time for them to lower her casket. The clouds parted and the sky was a blue as could be. On the way home that evening, there was a rainbow in the western sky. I couldn't help but think that was her way of saying goodbye. Anytime it was time to leave, she would walk you out, and without fail, say "You don't have to rush off, Gracious" Grandma would stand in the front, or back depending on where you parked, and wave and watch you leave. You would be far gone before she stepped back into the house.