The two-story house on Olive Avenue was not a spot I visited as a child. It did not hold memories of my earlier years, but as I was rounding out my senior year of high school, I began to date my now-husband, Tim.
We would frequent this house, as it was his Grammy’s.
On Sundays, it was especially busy at dinnertime. Grammy would host the family each week with a meal of her own making. She loved the labor of hosting us, even if it meant loud games at the table and even louder football fans in the living room.
As the years unfolded, I found myself approaching her porch, often without Tim, just to visit, have a sandwich, or bring a treat to her. She became my Grammy by then, and her door was ALWAYS open to guests. In fact, so was her couch, the fridge, the front porch swing, and that maroon Tupperware chip canister. (By the way, that seemingly bottomless canister always held BBQ chips, and made them taste WAY better than right-out-of-the-bag.)
Grammy was always glad to see me. She and I shared stories, recipes, and the occasional counseling session, and I hold dearly the years I spent those times alone with her. She was Christ-loving, witty, generous, and ever the bookworm of the family.
Just yesterday, Grammy passed away, while surrounded by her family. Her past few years were hard, with much isolation. She and I would often chat of our favorites of her meals. I wish that my kids could have known the Grammy I know.
I do believe, as she was letting go of this world, an open door was there waiting for her in the heavenly realm. Just as she walked with the Lord on this Earth, she is walking with Him now. She is delighting in Him, and He in her. She is home, and just at her new beginning.
That open-door policy is available to all of us, when we choose Jesus as our Savior. What awaits us is far better than what we experience here. Be assured, that Jesus is the ONLY way. If you are still searching for Him, or answers in general, look to the Bible.
Scripture tells us these verses:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans10:9
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Just like my own dear grandmas, Grammy was a beacon of love for the family. May we all remember the constant “open door to love” that she was. In her small, 4 foot 11 inch frame, she was a leader for us all.
Thank you, Lord, for her servant leadership, and legacy of love. What a beautiful soul. 💗
**Pictured above, Grammy and Hope in 2018.
