This past Sunday, much of my family gathered at the tiny little church where my Grandma was a life long member. Grandma Ruth passed away nearly eleven months ago and we gathered on the first Sunday of Advent at her former church to celebrate her life by dedicating to the church a banner holder purchased as a memorial for my Grandma.
Grandma's little church has a small congregation and doesn't have its own choir, so my aunt thought it would be nice to provide a little special music at the service. It was pretty easy to convince the little cousins that they could form a small choir and sing for Grandma Ruth at her church. I served as the director to Trenton (age 7), Bryce (age 7), Ella (age 7), Brennen (age 5), James (age 5), Trista (almost age 4), and Claranna (age 1.5) who made a most lovely children's choir. The kids were great! Claranna was all business during our practices at home, but was a bit more social at the church. She went out to mingle and giggle with the congregation a bit. We were so proud of all of the kids and we received many compliments on our little choir after the service. It was a wonderful way to honor Grandma Ruth as she loved music and she and my grandpa loved their church.
It's hard to believe it's been almost a year without Grandma. She is still close in our thoughts and in our hearts. Tonight as we hung "handmade by Grandma Ruth" ornaments on our tree Ella said it for me, "I still really miss Grandma Ruth." I miss her too and I suspect I always will. I was so fortunate to have loving relationships with all four of my grandparents. Each one had a special role in my life and a very special place remains for each of them in my heart. I'll openly admit when I think of them a smile comes to my face, but a few tears often moisten my eyes.
Ella and James still talk about Grandma Ruth a lot. They remember her when we walk or drive by her house at the farm. They will look up at the stars at night to find the brightest one and declare it to be Grandma Ruth's star. Ella misses her hugs and treats and James occasionally worries about the toys that he misses that are still in Grandma's toy closet. Claranna always smiles when she sees a picture of Grandma Ruth, so I think she remembers getting Great Grandma's hugs, too.
I know that Grandma Ruth was listening to this little choir from above:
3 comments:
I'm sure she was smiling as she watched. That's just precious!
Lovely tribute, Carrie!
Super sweet! I loved it! Grandma Ruth would have just adored those little angles singing for her!
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