Heaven gained another great one today, when Grandma Dory went home to be with our Lord. I first met Jarrett's grandma more than 20 years ago (so hard to believe) when I met her at Jarrett's house around the time we first started dating.
Since then there have been many times spent together with Grandma Doris for holiday gatherings, summer trips to her farm and of course her famous fried chicken lunches always made with so much love.
Anyone and everyone who knew Grandma Dory, often said the same thing, she loved life and she knew how to have a good time. She never let age hold her back, she loved to dance and she was always ready to celebrate with a grin from ear to ear.
And perhaps, that's why today's news left me so shocked. Grandma Dory, as everyone affectionately called her, whether she was your grandma or not, was in good health, and remained very active. Today when Jarrett finally got through to me at work, shared the news I never expected to hear. And from that moment, I couldn't stop thinking about her and the legacy she has left behind.
Grandma Dory lived in the place she called home for many decades. It was the home she and her late husband Louie built a life together in. The home where her children were raised, the home her grandchildren would come to know and love and on a piece of land so pretty with its features, some would say it was a slice of heaven...yes Heaven in Iowa.
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| Isabelle enjoying the flowers at Grandma's house |
Grandma Dory loved her house and her home and took care of it with great pride. She meticulously mowed and cared for her lawn, picking up the pine cones and making sure her lawn looked as close to the local Alta Vista golf course as she could. She planted pretty flowers by the light pole and the windmill next to her house and she always had a patio table and two chairs sitting outside, just in case someone stopped by to visit while they took in the great views from her home in the country.
As much as she loved her house, her home on the farm, Grandma Dory loved her family a million times more. When we'd come to visit her eyes would light up and she'd go out of her way to make a meal to fill up our tummies. Michael to this day, says Grandma Dory makes the best fried chicken and last December when the boys went back for Christmas, I think even she was surprised at just how much he could eat. The boys will never forget getting to play pool with her and that she let them have soda. Seeing that she had made someone else happy, made her day.
A couple of weeks ago, I happen to call her out of the blue as I was thinking about her and decided I should just call to say hi. I'm so glad I did, as I didn't know it would be our last time we'd get to talk. As always, when we were about to end the conversation she told me to give the kids a hug and a kiss from Great-Grandma Dory and that she was so happy for us. She also said she would keep us in her prayers.
Throughout the night today, I found my mind consumed with all the different times we were able to spend together over the years and as I thought about the memories I often found myself smiling. As much as I am sad that I'll never get to celebrate another Christmas at her house, or talk to her on the phone, I can't help but smile knowing that her faith has taken her to the place we all hope to be someday. Grandma Dory was a very faithful person and throughout her house were prayer cards and her Bible on her coffee table. As I think about the legacy she has left behind, I am reminded about just what an incredible woman she was. She never asked for much, she lived very simply, but she found so much joy and love in this world and she shared it with all those around her.
Tonight in Heaven there must be one amazing party going on. I'm sure she's dancing away with her loved one's who went ahead. And if there's a hot rod car in Heaven, I bet she's asking to go for a ride.
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| This is Grandma's hot rod that she loved to drive in the local parades in the summer. On one trip she gave the kids a ride and they loved it as much as she did. |
Grandma Dory,
You're sure going to be missed. I am so thankful for all the times we got to spend and for all the love you shared with Jarrett, me and our children. We will always remember the way you made us feel when you made your special dishes, when you went out of your way to find something special for our kiddos, and when you sent us special notes on our birthdays and for the holidays. Grandma Dory, you truly are a one of a kind and boy are we thankful God shared you with us.
Oh and as you enter those gates in Heaven, will you please do me a special favor? Will you please give Noah a special hug and kiss for me? Tell him his Momma loves him. I hope you two get some time to play together. I bet he can't wait to show you all around.
We will miss you Grandma Dory. Our hearts hurt tonight as we didn't want to have to say goodbye.
Until next time we meet, we send our love to you always.
Angie
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