My sweet Grandma Duke, nearly 95 years old, finally got to be reunited with her husband yesterday. It is a bittersweet feeling to lose her, but yet so sweet knowing she is free from mortal pain and discomfort. Grandpa has been waiting 19 years for her, and I'm sure he was waiting with open arms to greet her yesterday. Grandma Duke is such a legacy in our family, I can't even count the number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren that are her amazing posterity.
I feel rather spoiled to have had the opportunity to live so close to her. When my family moved to Hurricane when I was 13, my dad built our house. And also her house which was like a "mother-in-law" apartment built right onto ours. But you'd get chastised if you ever called her home an apartment.. =) So needless to say, she was right there all through my growing up years, on to high-school, and then on to college. She was always busy "twiddling" or crocheting, knitting, you name it she made it. Every Sunday she would step over for dinner and always have a scrumptious dessert in hand. We always looked forward to what she would bring, and we'd often give her our requests. One thing she was very talented at was growing plants. African Violets are her favorite, and every time I see one, it reminds me of her. Her little home was always thriving with green beautiful foliage, even to this day. She usually always seemed to be in a good mood. Never would I hear her complaining, it just wasn't like her.
I learned so much from living next door to Grandma Duke. Sometimes late at night when I'd be getting home from a football game or being with friends, I'd peek in on her. She'd still be up, not a light on except for her halogen bulb, and she'd be crocheting away at some project or other.. It is a legacy in our family that every one of her children and grandchildren, including spouses, have a hand-made Temple apron that she made. I still get comments whenever I am in the Temple, on the beautiful hand-crafted apron. There are so many more memories of her that have flooded my mind during the last day. I will cherish those moments spent with her, and learn from her example.
Grandma lived a very fruitful life, one that we all can try and emulate. We'll miss Grandma, and her spirit of love and giving. It does my heart good to picture Grandma and Grandpa together again. I love you Grandma!!
I feel rather spoiled to have had the opportunity to live so close to her. When my family moved to Hurricane when I was 13, my dad built our house. And also her house which was like a "mother-in-law" apartment built right onto ours. But you'd get chastised if you ever called her home an apartment.. =) So needless to say, she was right there all through my growing up years, on to high-school, and then on to college. She was always busy "twiddling" or crocheting, knitting, you name it she made it. Every Sunday she would step over for dinner and always have a scrumptious dessert in hand. We always looked forward to what she would bring, and we'd often give her our requests. One thing she was very talented at was growing plants. African Violets are her favorite, and every time I see one, it reminds me of her. Her little home was always thriving with green beautiful foliage, even to this day. She usually always seemed to be in a good mood. Never would I hear her complaining, it just wasn't like her.
I learned so much from living next door to Grandma Duke. Sometimes late at night when I'd be getting home from a football game or being with friends, I'd peek in on her. She'd still be up, not a light on except for her halogen bulb, and she'd be crocheting away at some project or other.. It is a legacy in our family that every one of her children and grandchildren, including spouses, have a hand-made Temple apron that she made. I still get comments whenever I am in the Temple, on the beautiful hand-crafted apron. There are so many more memories of her that have flooded my mind during the last day. I will cherish those moments spent with her, and learn from her example.
Grandma lived a very fruitful life, one that we all can try and emulate. We'll miss Grandma, and her spirit of love and giving. It does my heart good to picture Grandma and Grandpa together again. I love you Grandma!!
11 comments:
DIANNA! I was composed about Grandma until I read your blog...then I lost it! Way to go! :) I will miss her so much! It's will never be the same going to Hurricane without her! I'm going to steal your pics!
I'm sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing example!
Oh what a wonderful reunion! I was a lucky one to get one of her handmade temple aprons! SHe made one for Dave, too. Everytime I go I always get a compliment. SHe was such an amazing woman! I remember her 90th birthday when she was riding on the back of your dad's motorcycle riding through town. It was GREAT! She was SO awesome! I hope I have half of the energy that she did her whole life.
Thanks for writing that... I am doing much better today, and am so happy to think of her with Grandpa. My fav. dessert that she would make was her cheesecake... yummy, fluffy, sweet, and sour. So good, I will have to see if she has the recipe kept anywhere, I hope she didn't just have it in her head, I will miss that. And her, so much...
Such a sweet post and a positive view of her passing! Bless you and your little family in your loss.
Every time I wear my Temple Apron I think of your grandma. I am so grateful she made me one even though I was not family. She truly is a selfless person. My grandfather died last year and I know he was greeted by many loved ones that passed before and our Savior. The thought of returning to people that love you is a wonderful blessing.
Oh I love your sweet grandma! I'm so sorry for you, but so happy for her. She was always such a kind and cheerful person. She always made me feel welcome and loved. Hugs and prayers while you go through this. I think funerals are such a beautiful time for families. Laughter, tears, hugs, memories, tears.... Thank goodness for the knowledge of the gospel.
Love you girl!
I only met her a few times but I feel like I know her a bit better now. What an amazing woman. Your writing, coupled with this music of course made me cry. Sorry for your loss but excited to know that she has reunited with her love. Isn't it wonderful to have the knowledge of enternal marriage and eternal families?! I'll be thinking of your family over the next few days as you celebrate your G-ma Duke's life.
What a BEAUTIFUL woman!!! I bet it was bittersweet!! I bet you will miss her so much!! But I am sure you are glad she is free from pain and back in the arms of her sweetheart!!
I only met your grandma a couple of times, but I will never forget what a wonderful sweet person she was. Prayers and hugs for your family while you go through this hard time. We are so blessed to have the knowledge that we will be reunited one day.
That was a beautiful post Dianna. Everything you said about her and those pictures were beautiful! What a neat lady. How neat to be so close to her. Best wishes and we send our love!
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