Sunday, March 22, 2009

Remembering Grandma

Billie Madelene Scott passed away a day before her 83rd birthday.  She was the mother of four boys, a three-time cancer survivor, a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and my grandma.  My dad asked me to give the eulogy at her funeral services.  This was a really tough thing for me to do.  I wanted to honor her memory, but didn't feel the vivid memories that I treasure did her justice.  The red sweater she knit herself and gave me, saying it was too small for her. Chicken enchiladas.  Her cool computer- the first home computer I'd ever seen.  Playing games in the motor-home with her.  Going to the beauty shop- not for a cut, but for a "set and style."  Getting our car towed from down-town Madrid.  A steady supply of Life cereal.  

Her funeral services are over.  And so is my contribution.  I still feel I didn't do enough, barely managing to choke out her name as I started.  What I wanted to say- and I don't feel I did accurately- is that I recognize I am where I am because of the pioneers that went before me- the ones that crossed the prairie in covered wagons, my Grandma Scott who left home and family because of her testimony of Jesus Christ and his church, my own parents who moved us all over the world and taught us that the "rock of our Redeemer" is the only sure foundation in a world of constant change.  Would my dad be the dad he was and is, without the choices of my grandma?  And would I be where I am now, if he didn't keep the covenants that were so important to her?  

Sitting in the chapel during her funeral service, I felt surrounded by her love and her most important legacy- her family.  I sat beside my children, and felt the weight of responsibility placed on my shoulders- a weight I gladly carry.  I am a link in the chain of an eternal family.  I am blessed by the sacrifices of my forefathers (and mothers.)  I will insure that my children and grandchildren have every opportunity for those same blessings.

3 comments:

Tara said...

beautiful...

Harmony said...

That's what I thought too Karen--beautiful. I'm glad to be your cousin and share a bit in that family legacy of faith.

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you!