I just got back from spending the weekend in Alabama. Got word Thursday afternoon that my grandmother (my mom's mom) passed away. Now, it's sad, and kind of unexpected, but it's not really unexpected. See, she's been going down hill drastically for the last year (and more) so we were all expecting it, at some point. The exact timing threw us off, a little.
We had family from Virginia, Indiana, Texas, and right there in Alabama converge on my Uncle's house on the Second Creek (tributary of the Tennessee). We got to see family that it's literally been decades since we saw each other last.
My grandmother lived for 79 years and 362 days. She was born in Molton, AL on October 23, 1925. She died on October 20, 2005. We said good bye to her 80 years (to the day - October 23, 2005) after she came into this world.
Even though we had lost a wife, mother, grandmother (and great-grandmother), the group wasn't sad. Sure, there were times (especially at the funeral home) when eyes would "water" and shoulders would heave. But, we knew several things.
- She wasn't in pain any more. She was in so much pain that it turned a sweet, loving lady into a bitter woman with a shrewish temper. Once the pinched look (from the pain) was gone from her face, she looked 20 years younger.
- She was in a better place. She went to be with her Lord, whom she served so faithfully over the years. From the times volunteering at the hospital to teaching children in Sunday School to serving meals down at the homeless shelter, she spent her free time (when health permitted) helping those that she could, to the utmost of her abilities.
- We know that we'll see her again. When the clouds part and "The roll is called up yonder", we'll be there. And we'll get to see her as God has seen her all these years. Not the tiny woman, made tinier from years of intense pain, but the woman who stood tall and firm for her faith, family and friends.
We'll miss you, Grandma, but I'm glad that you're in a better place now.
The gathering spent many hours going over old photographs, reliving memories of Grandma (and each other). There were a few wistful moments, but there was more laughter, than tears. More good natured ribbing about past escapades than tears over opportunities lost. I guess it's the proof positive of a life lived well - those who remain behind laugh at the good times had by all, rather than cry at the opportunities lost because of misplaced priorities.
I got to see my cousins, 3 fine Southern ladies, and their families. I got to spend time with their girls, to see the kind of ladies that they're turning out to be (and might nice ladies, at that). See, being in Virginia (with them in Alabama or Memphis, TN), I don't get to see them very often. It was really nice to see them again.
It's a sign that the family is spread out when my Great-Uncle said "I hope that we get to come together again, soon. Although, since our recent gatherings have been due to funerals, I hope it's not all that soon." We got it, Uncle Hal. Just drive down I-65 'til it crosses I-64 and keep going east. Just keep on pluggin' along 'til you hit I-95 and hang a right. We'll meet ya at the border. 
Some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live.
Henry Van Dyke