Long time no hear from

Well, Maw-Maw died 2 days after my last post--December 23, 2009. She wanted to make it to her 80th bday and missed it by one month to the day. She died like she lived--gracefully. I miss her so much--it hasn't even been 2 months and it seems like 2 years. Almost daily I think about something I should tell her--and remember that she's not here. BUT, I am thrilled that she's w/ her father in Heaven AND her earthly father that she had missed for so long. And I am beyond thrilled to know that I will SEE HER AGAIN.

We have gotten a good start on cleaning out her house...what a crazy experience. It has definitely provided some comic relief! I'm pretty sure we could've been on some HGTV show--Hoarders, maybe? This would really be more like "organized hoarding". 500 nacho trays, 50 pairs of glasses, hundreds of paper plates and ziploc baggies, 3 mini tv's in the storage building, BOXES of extra sheets and towels, multiple blenders and mixers, several sets of unopened dishes, clothes w/ the tags still on, 100 pairs of shoes, 7 jars of honey, and on and on it goes. So we wonder if there is some deep seated psychological cause for having all this "stuff" in such large quantities....there's the whole "grew up in the depression" theory, the "looking for happiness in stuff" theory, but truly, I just think she liked to shop....and she was practical, so instead of buying a new outfit or purse every week like many women, she bought ziploc baggies....WITH A COUPON...(she would think that was very important to note. )

Her death is still too fresh to say exactly how God will use this trial in my life, but I trust that He will. I know that I will be far more compassionate toward "caregivers" in any situation. I really had NO idea what that was like--the physical and mental exhaustion is really indescribable at times. The time to minister to these people is not AFTER their loved one dies, it's BEFORE. Cards, prayers, meals, visits, errands and grocery shopping, maybe even offering to sit while they take a break. I just didn't know how much these people need help and encouragement--but I pray that I will never forget after this experience!

beautiful: Eternal life in Heaven
good: 34 years with an AMAZINGLY INSPIRING Maw-Maw!!