On August 17, 1932 Mary "Sue" Mears Kirkpatrick was born. I'm thankful for her and the 30 years I had with her. Early this morning on my Grandad's birthday she joined him in Eternity. It was as close to what she wanted as possible. She went home surrounded in love, in her home. I'm thankful for that mercy and grace God showed our family and her. She was ready and for that I'm thankful.
Six and a half years ago doctors told us she had cancer with only 6 months to live. Little did they know we serve a God that is in control. I can't tell you what those 6 years have meant to our family to have her. This little boy went from this.....
to this. She loved him and he loved and adored her. She was Great Grandma to him...just Grandma to me.
There were many times we thought we were at the end but she kept fighting to get to an event she wanted to attend wether it be a graduation or wedding...she kept fighting. She thought Addison was the funniest girl on earth. Probably because Addison reminded me of her daily. Addison as the only one who could possibly get away with calling her "Great Great Mama".
We spent time soaking up each other at the Outer Banks each year.
Grandma was no doubt her happiest surrounded by us all in one of our favorite places.
She had my Aunts call to check on the kids this week. She wanted to know what they were up to. She couldn't wait to hear about Caden's first day of school and lost her mind when she heard someone hurt that sweet boy. She couldn't wait to see Addison in her gymnastics leotard and to hear what crazy stuff Collins had gotten into.
She loved all 8 of her grandchildren.
And all 3 of her girls.
John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away"
She no longer has to feel the pain. I'm thankful for the promises we have that she will no longer suffer. There is peace in that promise.
2 Chorinthians 5:8 "yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
In those six "bonus" years she got to attend several graduations. She got to see my sisters and my cousin Allison get married.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Grandma and Aunt Carolyn at Jennifer's wedding 2 years ago!
In the fall of 2011 Grandma came to Collins Lea's baby dedication. It meant the world to me.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"
I've never seen anyone as brave as she was. She spent many many hours recieving Chemo that she knew would give her more time here on earth with us knowing also that it would bring her great discomfort. She fought a good fight. Early this morning she finished the race. Now it's our turn to be courageous. Afterall, she set a high standard.
Grandma, the beach will NEVER be the same again. I can promise you I will always remember our times there fondly....so will my children.
Grandma and Addison Elizabeth. Addison was named after her mother. She's a little girl with an amazingly strong spirit.
Today Addison told Mary, "It's okay Mary...God was ready for Great Great Mama to come home."
She was ready too sweet girl....she was ready.
