Grandma Carson. Today marks the 8th anniversary of her death. It's a funny juxtaposition each year as I remember my grandmother while the rest of the US remembers some ancient celtic pagan rite by dragging rats out of their holes and predicting the weather.
I miss Grandma. She was really quite an amazing person. I am glad to say that I recognized this many years before she was gone, but I'm sad to say that I don't believe I ever told her in person how much of an example she was to me--is to me. We named our second daughter for her and I recall in her blessing that I prayed that a bit of Grandma's character might find its way into our little girl. Janie Ray seems to have every bit the personality and spunk that Grandma Carson had and for that I'm grateful. Time will tell if she can develop some of the deeper qualities of her namesake.
I am very glad that she lived long enough to meet my wife and that Lisa had a chance to know her even in a very weakened and waning state. I don't believe in ancestor worship or any of the attendant idolatry, but I do believe that the memory and example of those who go on before us are powerful reminders to us of what we can be and maybe even of the debt we owe for the sweat and toil that was given--in part--to bring us here.
I am sorry that I never knew my grandfathers. Both died long before I was born and long before their own expected times. Even so, Grandma Janie was as much an influence as I could ever have hoped from a dozen grandparents. We miss you, Grandma. We are peaceful, though, because if ever there was a soul for whom redemption was certain, it is yours.
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