Tribute to My Grandmother

On Sunday I was able to visit with my maternal grandmother.  She currently resides in a 'memory-care' facility in Kerrville, suffering from the ill effects of aging on the human mind and psyche.  Thankfully she was having a good day in her mind affording enough clarity to recognize her visitors: my mother and me.  Several years have passed since we last visited, and I do not know how much longer she will occupy her earthly tabernacle (body) before God calls her home.  So the time together was precious.  We talked about her husband, my grandfather, who passed away in 2010.  Then I informed her how she still carries herself with class and beauty.  She is a remarkable woman, an individual who endured the horrors of the Great Depression with dignity and composure.  No excuses were made for their want of earthly possessions.  She held the family together, raising five children, while her husband served faithfully in the Navy during World War II.  One story remains in my memory.  She diligently saved $5 a week in order to set aside money for hard times.  Wow!  As if the Great Depression wasn't hard enough.  This woman exhibited fortitude and courage, a great example of leadership to her children and grandchildren.  She also carries many other attributes, of which I try to emulate on a daily basis.  In the end, I could still see how this matriarch continues to stand strong and tall in spite of her diminishing mental faculties and physical stature.  Of course I am biased in my opinion of her; however, I encourage each and every person to look to the strong women in their lives for how to live during life's trials.  Once the trials were over, my grandmother stood even taller and stronger.  Anne Crain is a true Proverbs 31 woman who has instilled those qualities in her daughter, my mother.

"An excellent wife (woman) who can find?  

She is far more precious than jewels.  

The heart of her husband (son, daughter, etc.) trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.  

She does him good, and not harm, all theh days of her life.  

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.  

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.  

She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.  

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.  

She dresses herself with strength and makers her arms strong.  

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.  

Her lamp does not go out at night.  

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.  

She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.  

She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.  

She makes bed coverings for herself; 

her clothing is fine linen and purple.  

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.  

She makes linen garments and sells them; 

she delivers sashes to the merchant. 

 Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come.  

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  

She looks well tot he ways of her household  and does not eat the bread of idleness.  

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 

her husband also, and he praises her: 

'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'  

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31