#295 - Remembering Mimi

My grandmother, Mimi, passed away last weekend.  She lived a long life.  A blessed life.  She was a wonderful woman, a devoted mom, and the kind of grandmother that every little girl deserves.  I will miss her terribly.

I got to spend some time with Mimi over the last few weeks of her life.  And, just two days before she passed away, I had a conversation on the phone with her that will be forever etched into my memory.  What a gift that was, and I knew it at the time, for which I am so thankful.

Mimi and I had a special bond.  Despite a 54 year age difference, we were alike in so many ways.  We both loved books, loved to read and learn, to enjoy the beauty of nature, and our families.  We loved the University of Florida, and we were both sisters in the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.  In college, I spent many weekends driving from Gainesville to Brooksville to visit her.  When I moved to Atlanta, I spent many more weekends driving over to Sapphire Valley, North Carolina to visit her.  Those visits, when it was just the two of us, are what I remember most about Mimi.  The two of us talking or just sitting on the couch watching TV.  We'd eat Lil Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls and catch up on what everyone else in the family was doing.  She told me about my mom as a young child, what it was like being married to someone in the military, and her adventures traveling back and forth between Florida and North Carolina.

My mom asked me to speak at her funeral.  I was nervous and a bit overwhelmed at writing Mimi's eulogy.  But, once I sat down, and started typing, my fingers couldn't stop.  The words came quickly with the memories flooding my mind.  On Wednesday of this week, I stood before our family and friends and read it aloud.  When I sat back down, I realized what a gift it was to be able to honor my grandmother in such a way.  If you'd like to read the eulogy, click here.

This is the poem that was included in Mimi's service.  I think it is was so appropriate for our family.

One Mother

You can only have one mother,

Patient kind and true;

No other friend in all the world,

Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,

To your mother you will turn,

For all her loving kindness

She asks nothing in return,

As we look upon her picture,

Sweet memories we recall,

Of a face so full of sunshine,

And a smile for one and all,

Sweet Jesus, take this message,

To our dear mother up above;

Tell her how we miss her,

And give her all our love.