Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009

It's a beautiful day.

Ten minutes before lunch, Elsie Fern Dunham bows her head and goes home to heaven. It was peaceful, no suffering, just like so many of us have prayed for so many months. The angels are surely having a party today as grandma joins them and hears her Jesus say, "Well done, my good and faithful daughter."

She joins her parents, her sister, her husband, her son, John Henry, and countless family members. What an exciting, joyful family reunion it must be! I told the girls that when we join her one day, I imagine she will welcome us to heaven with handmade quilts, homemade strawberry preserves, and beautiful afghan blankets crocheted in gold.

For several months I have wondered why God kept her here. I now believe it was for a purpose - to pray her granddaughter through cancer treatment and surgery. Then God said, "You're done," and brought her home. Thank you, God, for having Grandma walk with me through this.

I love you Grandma. Thank you for all you have been to me, to Mark, and to my children. I hope I grow up to be like you. You are dearly loved and will be dearly missed. You fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith.

Until we meet again.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of one of his godly ones." Psalm 116:15


9 comments:

  1. Those prayers she prayed for you and yours will continue to circle the throne of heaven on your behalf and you will continue to see the fruits of her investment into your life and the lives of others! How precious indeed!

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  2. Beautiful tribute little sister! Love you!!!

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  3. Oh Laura...My heart goes out to you and your family today. I know how much I miss my mamaw but like you, I know that she was here for so long for a reason. Now she is in Heaven with my dad and they are having the time of their lives. Scott and I's thoughts and prayers are with tonight. We love you guys and let us know if you need anything.

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  4. Laura,
    I'm sorry for you and your famalies loss of Mini Grandma.She sounded like such a wonderful person and I think you are right,she was waiting for YOU to win the fight.
    "Let your light shine in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven".
    Remember that's the verse you said for her on her 98th birthday. 98 WONDERFUL YEARS to have with such a special Grandmother. NOW--She IS HOME.
    XOXO

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  5. Laura and family,

    It is a "beautiful day" when you have the knowledge that when those you love are moving on to heaven where the Lord has prepared a place! Laura, you are well on your way to "being like your Grandma"!! You are a beautiful person and I am confident she is very proud of the lady you are!
    It still is a physical seperation and that is sorrowful! My prayers will be with you, your brothers, parents, and all those who were touched by her and will miss her.
    Her "beauty" flows through you to many others lives!! Thank you Lord!

    Peace be with you,
    Paula P.

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  6. I cry again for JOY! Paula P said it best You are like you Granda.!! The prayer of a righteous person availith much. You are arighteous peson!!!

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  7. What an awesome tribute to your grandma. I love it that you feel this way when you could be so sad for your loss. I felt the same way when Dad went home almost 2 years ago. I love it that God gives us those promises.

    I'm glad she got to be here to pray you through this journey you are on.

    Hugs to you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  8. Dear sweet Laura...I know she is sooo proud of you:) You are such a great daughter and granddaughter...love you

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  9. Laura, I was so happy to hear how well your surgery went and it sounds like your recovery is going just as well! We missed you and your family at church these past 2 weeks. Lance did an exceptional job though- he didn't miss a beat! We are praying for you every day - hang in there beautiful lady! You are an inspiration to all :) Love you, Karen Morgan

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