As most of you know my great-grandmother was sick in the hospital for three weeks and on Wednesday morning, May 23, 2007, she passed away. She was one of the most amazing ladies. And yes, you may think I’m partial because I’m her granddaughter, but she influenced so many people.

She was such a strong woman of faith and she was always smiling, always made a point to stop and say “I love you, honey” and not only would she give you a hug, but you learned the art of dodging her lips: she would always give you a big kiss on the mouth. She wanted to show her love.

Yesterday at the funeral my dad summed up her character by reading Galations 5:22:

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

She exhibited the fruits of the Spirit in her life daily. That’s just who she was.

My immediate family have never really experienced a loss so close to us; I didn’t realize how hard it would be. I’ve had lots of tears and I really miss Josiah, I wish he was here with me. But although we miss her physical presence here, my whole family are reassured and comforted by the fact that she is dancing and laughing in Heaven with our Father.

My family received a lot of verses and words of comfort while she was in the hospital, but one that my mom read really spoke to all of our hearts and it was the theme of her funeral.

“So you’ll go out in joy,
you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
The mountains and hills will lead the parade,
bursting with song.
All the trees of the forest will join the procession,
exuberant with applause.
No more thistles, but giant sequoias,
no more thornbushes, but stately pines—
Monuments to me, to God,
living and lasting evidence of God.” Isaiah 55:12-13 The Message

It’s so true. The mountains and the hills will burst forth with song, and we all knew she loved to sing.

So as my family and her friends continue to remember her and all of the great memories and who she was, may our grief turn to joy in knowing how she changed and impacted every single one of our lives.

Please pray for my family and I. We do have joy knowing where she is, but it doesn’t mean we don’t miss her.

Like Josiah said it was a hard goodbye in Townsville. I hated leaving him knowing we’d be apart for a month. But we have God’s grace and are both trying to keep busy so we don’t think about it a lot! I bet his house is really clean right now!!

I left Townsville at 6am Wednesday morning and arrived in Oklahoma City at 11:05pm Wednesday night (I had over 20 hours of flight time) safely with my dad. He picked me up in Los Angeles and we drove down to San Diego where I was able to freshen up and see his apartment, and then we flew into
Oklahoma City together! It was so nice having a traveling companion (he carried my bags everywhere!). I loved telling everyone “what was in the box,” it was my wedding dress and I didn’t realize how much attention you get when you’re a bride!

Anyways, onto more important things: we’ve recently sent out a newsletter about our latest happenings so I hope you received it. One of the major events in my life at the moment that needs a lot of prayer is my grandma. She’s actually my great-grandma, but she’s usually in tip-top shape and has been an essential part of my life as well as the rest of my family. She’s terrible sick at the moment and the team of physicians can’t pinpoint what’s exactly wrong with her. They just see the symptons, so it’s quite a mystery.

  

[My Mema, Mom, me and Grandma (great-grandma)]

The day I returned to OKC we spent the day in the hospital with my aunt and uncles, mom and dad and grandma. Jet-lag and emotions tied together proved to be a trying day. My grandma’s extremely sick, but she’s a fighter and we keep hoping and believing for a miracle. I’m not trying to be selfish, but I would love to celebrate another Mother’s Day with her and see her at my wedding. She’s been an inspiration to so many people, and it’s evident as we have visitors coming in and out of the hospital to see her. The nurse said she’s never seen so much traffic.

I would appreciate your prayers for her and for my family. We’re going through a lot right now and continue to seek God’s strength and grace during this difficult time. Through the tears we just open our hands instead of clinching them, waiting for a miracle. Please lift your hands with me.

Much love,

Crissa