Although there are no more verses to the song Grand Ma’s Hand. There is still a lot
more that needs to be said. My Big Mama has long gone on to be with the Lord. I was
fortunate to be there when she took her last breath. You see we were connected so
close in the spirit realm. The Saturday before she moved on up to her new home in
glory, I could hear her calling me to come. I was not ready to go to her because I knew
in my spirit, she was ready to leave us. It was not until that Tuesday that I decided it was
time and I had collected my inner self enough to let her go. She expressed to me that
she was ready to go to meet Jesus and she did not understand why he had not come to
get her. I told her that we, the grandchildren, were not ready for her to go. But I would
release her because she wanted to go. She grabbed my hand and held it tightly. She
told me that I was more like her than any of the others. And that I had great discernment
as she did and her mother before her. She told me that I would live to be 105 years old
and to take care of my body as she had done. And lastly, she told me that God had
work for me to do and to choose my friends wisely, make the best out of what life
handed me, and have faith in God. I asked her if there was anything that she wanted
before she left? Her response was a little sip of Dr. Pepper. I put a straw to her lips and
she sipped. I asked was that enough and she said just a little bit more. I then turn to
read the newspaper, allowing her some privacy. I turn to look back and saw her take her
last breath. But I don’t have Grandma anymore If I get to heaven I’ll look for Grandma’s
hands.
My grandmother was an absolute lady. She taught me how to dress, how to respond to
people. Boy! Could she wear a hat. And don’t you know I have a lot of hats and I wear a
lot of hats just as she did. She was a nurse, a teacher and own a restaurant /boarding
house owning..
She taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. If I wanted something, just ask. If I
did not get it, I was no further behind than before I asked. But If I got a yes, it was all the
better.
I wish I was more like her. She taught me about selfcare. She had a standing hair
appointment be if was fashionable. She made sure we took vacations. She found time
to visit friends, write letters and handwritten thank you notes. With her help and my
mother’s, those ladies made sure we were what they called well rounded. We took
piano lessons, dance lessons, modeling and etiquette classes. If I could be half the
woman and grandmother she was, I would be batting a thousand. I have done the math,
at my age, 72, I don’t believe that I can pour all that she poured into me. I would like to
pour into my grandchildren until their cups run over with laughter, love, and life lessons.
But I am going to give it my best shot.
Finally, take a trip down memory lane with thoughts of your grandmother. Secure those
things that helped to make you the person you have become. Instill them into your
grandchildren. And if you did not grow up with a grandmother in your life, latch on to my
Grand Ma’s Hand.
Be blessed always