On my 40th birthday, January 6, 2021 my Grandma Murray passed away at 91 years old. Words could never express the love and gratitude I have in my heart when I think about all she was to me. By her example of unconditional love and acceptance, Harriet Jane Murray made an irreplaceable difference in my life.
She loved living in the country and being a farmer’s wife. Grandma especially loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. Everything she put her hand to was done with her whole heart. Whether it was canning, freezing, weeding, singing, teaching, puzzling, cooking or cleaning, she gave 100 percent. The impact grandma made in my childhood years was invaluable. She was my safe haven. My grandma truly understood and accepted me as who I was. She showed me God’s love by her loving care and guidance. Upon visiting my dad every other weekend, she and grandpa took me to church on Sundays and vacation Bible school every summer. She instilled in me the importance of being in church and believing in God.
Grandma lived on the farm independently for 12 years after grandpa passed away. On October 4, 2020 she had a stroke in her kitchen, making her routine morning coffee. She was immediately stripped from her independence and as a result, lived the remaining 3 months of her life in the nursing home. My visits with her in the hospital and nursing home were much different than the visits on the farm. Grandma gave many parting words all about love. Departing words are always the most impactful and cherished. Here are just a few she spoke.
Blessings are all around us, if you recognize them.
Happiness is hearing family laugh together.
Keep family close. Stay together and love.
In 2010, Grandma bought a cherry red PT Cruiser. She absolutely loved her car. I think of her fondly as I now have the privilege of opening my garage door every morning and seeing it there.
Having her for my grandma was a gift. I pray that I will someday be the grandmother to my grandchildren that she was to me. A grandmother that loves unconditionally, transforms her house each holiday, supports and protects, encourages, and welcomes with arms opened wide.
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