Memorial Service Speech

My Dad asked me to speak at my grandmother's memorial service along with many other people in my family. It was a great time to remember my Grandma.

Here is what I said. I will miss her.:

I missed the first 60 years of my grandmother's life. I got to know her after some of the toughest days of her life. Being a married woman, I have more understanding of what she must have gone through. I know that it must have been hard to lose a husband and be responsible for raising 5 boys on your own. She didn't talk with me about this time of her life. My dad said she prayed a lot during this time. Ultimately, I think that she found comfort in her perfect heavenly husband.

Isaiah 54
5 For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.
6 For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit. 7 For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.

From what I am told, she did a great job raising my dad and his brothers. She offered them strong direction and guidance.

She was a lot softer with me- I am her grandchild and a girl after all.

I remember when Grandma got a new puppy named Ralph. I was so excited about him and showed him that I loved him by hugging him really hard. I hugged him so hard that he yelped and ran away. Grandma did not scold me, but encouraged me to be more gentle next time. I did not get a next time for a long time- because Ralph would run away whenever he saw me coming. Eventually, Ralph warmed up to me again and I had the opportunity to take Grandma's advice by being more gentle. Sure enough it worked! Grandma was great at teaching me lessons- not be scolding me, but by encouraging me to do what was right.

She had a great sense of humor coupled with a great laugh. I know that she enjoyed my brothers and I. I will miss her laugh the most- followed by her familiar, "Oh gee."

In Grandma's retirement she did not do the things that retired people do- like relax. She worked hard to show others that she cared about them. She would send cards, make blankets, visit people who couldn't go out. She would make meals, teach Sunday school, and take care of my Dad and brothers. She also took care of Grandpa Jack. She did a great job.

Every time I would visit her, she would tell me about a family member or friend who needed prayer. I knew that her hope was in the Lord and His unfailing love. I knew she was always praying for me and wanted me to understand this love and hope as well.

I remember when she made me a giant crocheted blanket. It has all these different stitches and fits on queen size bed. It is gorgeous. It must have taken her hours and hours. to make. I felt so loved and cared for. She took so much of her time to make me something that she knew I would cherish for a long time.

I will miss Grandma, but I am happy for her at the same time. I know that her momentary affliction has passed and she is experiencing the eternal weight of glory. She is being quieted by love. My God is wiping her tears away. There is no more mourning or pain for her. She is seeing Jesus on a white horse riding to defeat sin and death. She has a new and perfect body. One with hair she will never have to tint. One that will never have to be in a wheelchair or hospital bed again.

2nd Corinthians 5
6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

I know Jesus is pleased and I know Grandma is with her Lord.