08/06/2026
I know that no one is perfect… but my Grandma was pretty close. She loved Grandpa and her family so well. To know her was to know love, joy, laughter, & warmth. She was the only person in my life who would call me ‘Benjamin’ and it not be because I was in trouble.
I will never understand why ALS became a part of her story - it doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t seem fair. However, because of her faith in Jesus, it isn’t the end of her story, but in many ways - just the beginning. I believe she is more alive today than she ever has been in 86 years on this earth.
She passed away two nights ago & while it’s been a very hard time for us, it’s the very best of times for her.
If I can share just one story of her faith in Christ just a few weeks ago while my Mom was out there helping take care of her & Grandpa for the summer…. during the last few weeks of her life, she was pretty much chair bound. Standing up for her was almost always assisted and lasted for just a short period. She went to church for the last time with Mom & Grandpa - and during the church service they sang the old Kelly Willard song “I cast all my cares upon you” (Cares Chorus).
The whole congregation was singing/listening to the song, but Grandma, knowing she wasn’t meant for this world much longer, who couldn’t speak or sing, and with almost no strength left in her body, found it within herself to pull herself up out of the chair to stand in worship Christ silently during the song. No doubt she had many cares & worries at that time, but with all of her might, she surrendered herself & cares in silent worship to Christ.
I have many amazing memories with her, but that story will always be an amazing testament of her love and dependence of Christ. I can only imagine her excitement in her new body and in the presence of her Savior today.
Well done Grandma, I can’t wait to see you again ❤️