Graceful Toughness

I've been trying for about two weeks to blog about my grandma. I just can't ever seem to find words adequate enough to tell you about her.

I've always admired my grandmother. Her godliness, her character, her kindness and grace. But in recent years, I've seen a side of her I hadn't before. My grandma is tough!

My Papa passed away 12 years ago next month. He was the rock of our family and left us suddenly. We weren't quite sure what we would do without him. At the family visitation time, literally hundreds filed in for hours as a testament to the kind of man he was and the many lives he touched. I knew my grandma was dependent on him. He had steadily led his family and home for all those years and then all of a sudden he was gone.

But my grandma survived. And I've seen in her a strength and resolve that I don't think I ever knew was there. There are times when I would take her home after she'd been out to eat with my family. I'd watch her walk into the trailer she now owns next to my uncle's house and just be in awe at her confidence and independence. My sweet, kind, tenderhearted grandmother - probably the most unlikely candidate - has become the rock.

No matter what I've faced in my life, my grandma has always been there. When I had gallbladder surgery two years ago, she stayed with me every day while I recovered. Took me to the doctor, fixed meals for me, brought me anything I needed. And she never expects anything in return.

I've lost three of my four grandparents - my paternal grandfather and grandmother passed away in 1989 and 2001, respectively - and grandma is the only one I have in this world. I once told her that she could never go anywhere. I meant that. But the realization that I might not always have her has become very real to me lately. And I don't like it one bit.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago and will have surgery on Thursday. The doctor expects that everything will be fine after the surgery and subsequent radiation therapy. And I have complete faith that it will be. The strength of my grandma and the healing power of my Father are going to shine through on this one. I just know it. Because my sweet, tenderhearted and kind grandmother is tough. And my God is even tougher.


Dear Lord, I place my grandmother in your hands, knowing that as much as I love her, You love her even more. Thank You for the godly example she has been to me, the rest of her family and so many others. I pray you will bless her with many more years of good health until You see fit to welcome her into Your loving arms. Amen.