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Recently the demands of our group's schedule and business meetings related to our gospel music endeavors would not allow me to travel with the rest of the group. Therefore, I had to make flight arrangements to and from Tampa, Florida during a short break in our concert schedule. After scheduling my flight, it became apparent that my grandmother would be travelling during the same time-frame to visit family in Tampa. We therefore took the opportunity to plan to fly one-way of her trip together. What a privilege that time was for me!

I have been privileged to be close, both emotionally and physically, to my grandmother for most of my life. I was the oldest grandchild, so I pride myself in being able to say that at one time I had her all to myself!! When I was just a toddler, without suggestion from anyone in the family, I began referring to my grandmother as MeeMaw. As the other grandchildren came along the name MeeMaw stuck and that is still the name we use today for this special lady.

MeeMaw lives just two doors down my family. We are so grateful to have her close to us. She now prides herself on spoiling her great-grandchildren just as she has always done for my generation! Dana and I enjoy dropping by with our boys for awesome meals and wonderful times spent with our family...as my grandmother holds court as "queen of her castle."

Anyone who is around MeeMaw for very long knows clearly that she is a Christian and takes her faith very seriously. MeeMaw has taught Sunday School for most of her life. As a layperson she is one of the most well-learned Bible scholars I have ever been around. When MeeMaw asks you a question about your interpretation of scripture, you can guarantee that you are getting ready to hear her perspective!

Shortly after I was born, MeeMaw was widowed when my grandfather was killed in an auto accident. The sudden loss of her husband was a staggering blow to our family at the time...and yet they persevered, holding on to their faith and family. My MeeMaw was suddenly on her own. Although she missed my grandfather terribly, she learned to handle the business of her household and do so with great skill. She was then...and still is a shrewd lady who prides herself on making wise decisions and avoiding anyone's attempt at taking advantage of her.

After a dozen or so years of living alone, MeeMaw met and married another fine Christian gentleman. During their years of marriage I spent weeks at a time with them during my summer breaks from middle school, enjoying their country life and peaceful ways. Suddenly, life changed for MeeMaw again when her second husband was stricken with a debilitating stroke, leaving him with severe paralysis for the rest of his life. For the remaining years of his life, confined to his bed, my step-grandfather never fed himself a bite of food. Life was very difficult for my MeeMaw as she provided care at home for her husband. She took care of him with great love and grace as faithfully as humanly possible. She would not consider putting him in a nursing home. She believed that God would give her the strength to care for her husband and that is exactly what happened.

Upon my step-grandfather's death during my college years, MeeMaw moved to her current home to be near her family. We have been blessed to have her close to us ever since. Her skills as a homemaker are widely known and respected. She prides herself on raising her garden, cooking the best country meals known to man and creating some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen in my life. And guess what, she is still teaching Sunday School.

During my day flying with MeeMaw, we had time to talk about many things. We talked about current events, family and a lot about the past. MeeMaw shared stories from her childhood days about good times with members of her large family as well as the challenges of tough economic times. Once again I was reminded of MeeMaw's wisdom and faith. At one point, my MeeMaw recited to me a poem that had been given to her by a friend shortly after my grandfather had been killed. Notice I said recited. Sometimes I have trouble remembering a single phrase and MeeMaw, forty-five years my senior, could quote this poem given to her over thirty-five years ago without missing a word. Hear the comfort found in these words for someone walking through dark days...

My life is but a weaving, between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors, He worketh steadily;
Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper and I the underside;
Not until the loom is silent, and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas, and explain the reason why;
The dark threads are as needful, in the weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver, in the pattern He has planned.

- Author Unknown

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