Remembering My Grandparents

**Reposting from 2009 in Honor of My Grandparents:

The following is one of my favorite scrapbook pages:

Journaling: (written August 5, 2005)

"July 31, 2004 - A surprise had been planned for my grandparent's at my cousin, Sarah's wedding reception. Almost all of our huge extended family had come not only to celebrate Sarah & Dion's wedding but also to celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of my grandparents, Donald and Anna Mae Benzing. Little did they know that a cake and time of recognition had been set aside to honor them. They were called up to the dance floor to be seated, surrounded by their 8 living children. As they made their way to the front, "The Anniversary Waltz" began to play. This was their anniversary song. I remember spending two prior anniversaries with them and watching them dance to it. I remember my grandpa, always so strong and my grandma, while strong herself, looking so beautiful and trim and the way they gracefully moved together, celebrating yet another year of their marriage. This anniversary, however, time had taken it's toll. Grandma had suffered several strokes and many illnesses and grandpa also had his share of health problems. Their steps were unsure and slow as they leaned heavily on canes or the arms of loved ones and made their way to the front. As they came together, they dropped their canes and grabbed on to each other and danced as they had danced so many anniversaries before. They held on to each other so tightly...as tight as the love they shared. Everyone present was moved to tears as we all felt what that embrace simply said. "I Love You." Even as I write these thoughts a year later, I am still moved by the sight of my grandparents...holding on to each other...dancing with each other...loving each other.

My Grandma Today

Last night my grandma went to sleep on this earth and woke up in God's light. Today she is pain free and tear free. Today she is reunited with her son, Gene who passed away about 24 years ago. Today she is reunited with her parents and others of her family who have gone before her. Today she is in the presence of the Lord. Today I am in praise and thanksgiving to my Lord and Savior who gave us the victory over death. Along with the many, many memories that have flooded my mind today, I have thought of this piece of scripture over and over.

I Corinthians 15:55 (The Message)

Death swallowed by triumphant Life!

Who got the last word, oh, Death?

Oh, Death, who's afraid of you now?...

But now in a single victorious stroke of Life,

all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone,

the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!

For two more beautiful posts about my grandma, visit my sister, Elizabeth at Life's Journey with 5 and my cousin, Gretchen at Gretchen reads 24/7. Anymore family reading this? Feel free to leave a comment and if you have a website, I'll link us all together.

Update on Grandma

I found out today that my grandmother's kidneys are failing. They have decided to call in hospice and make her a comfortable as possible. She may not make it through the night. I am sad. Not really for her because she's prepared and ready to go. She's worn out and heaven is truly her reward. I am sad for my grandpa. He's losing his companion of almost 70 years! How lonely he will be. He told me several times he does not want to live without the love of his life. I'm sad for my mom. I don't know if she'll make it to Ohio before she passes. And I'm sad for me. I'm thankful for the 2 special relationships I've been blessed to have with my grandmothers. I'm sad to end this chapter of my life. I'm sad but not without hope. I will see my grandmother again someday...both of them. And they will be pain free and in the presence of the Lord. That's what each of their lives was all about.

My Grandmas

My grandmothers were very different people but there were a few things they had in common. The greatest of these was their faith. They loved God, they loved the church and they both sought to raise their children in this faith. Each of them faced very hard times. My grandma Benzing lost a son to cancer. Two of her daughters were widowed. In her later years she's had several strokes and heart problems. But through all this, she's never lost her joy. Do you know the impact this had on me? I was a kid through some of it. I watched from a distance as we lived across the country from them. Yet I still understood that despite the circumstances, she held on. My mom says that she literally held on to her faith by her finger tips.

My grandma Adrian was a pastor's wife. Not once but two times did a church turn on them and boot my grandpa out. With my dad being a pastor, I know the effects those things have on his wife. My grandmother about had a nervous breakdown. During the days of mine & Cliff's courtship, she was facing cancer. She made it to my wedding which is something I will always treasure. She was so happy to be there. 6 months later she passed away. Through all the cancer stuff she never lost her faith.

They also made me feel so treasured and so special. I know they didn't play favorites but I always felt like one. I always knew they loved me and I love them...dearly.

My kids are so fortunate because that's the kind of grandma my mother is. She's so rock-solid in her faith. When anyone goes to her for any kind of advice, she'll lead them to the Word. She's also alot of fun. The kids have always loved to spend time with her. And while she doesn't play favorites either, she makes each kid feel so special and important. When they're with her, they feel like they are the favorite. They are treasured, cherished and loved.

What great role models I have had. I can't wait to be a grandma!!

Please keep my grandma Benzing in your prayers.

Works For Me Wednesday

Faith & Family

My "works for me" today is not a household tip but rather two things that have sustained me through my 42 years of life.

Today my grandma Benzing is in the hospital. Her body is tired and worn out. It's hard but at the same time, memories are flooding through my mind.

I LOVE both of my grandmothers. My grandma Adrian passed away in 1985. They were both very different but very, very special to me. I can sum up my grandma Benzing in one word - FUN!! She loves to laugh, play games, and have a good time. One year, I was so fortunate to spend the summer with them.

If it were not for my faith, I would be overcome with sadness today. But I'm not. If this is her time, I know that I will see her again. I enjoy the memories and celebrate her life that has revolved around this same faith. And if God gives her more days on this earth, I will treasure the time that remains.

My family has been there for me always. We're not perfect. We have our ups and downs as well as our ins and outs. But in the end, we are family. God has been so good to me.

The Weekend After...

I am sitting here just relaxing in the beautiful sound of Josh Groban's new Christmas album, Noel. I need this peaceful moment. Thanksgiving was wonderful. At this stage of my life, I treasure each and every opportunity I have to be surrounded by my children. I am so thankful for my family.

23 years ago tonight was the eve of my wedding. Tomorrow Cliff and I will celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. We were 2 young, idealistic kids who didn't have a clue about life. We just knew we were crazy in love and didn't think we could live another day apart from eachother. Little did we know what time held for us. We have had our ups and our downs. There have been good days and there have been a few days when I didn't know if we'd make it. They were that hard. But here we are, 23 years later. And you know what? I am proud of us. Most people who got married when we did are not together any more. It's hard. Marriage is wonderful but it's hard under the very best of circumstances.

Would I do it again? Yes. Sometimes I think I should have waited another year. It wouldn't have killed me to grow up a little more. But then I wouldn't have had Josh and I wouldn't trade he or any of my other children for the world.

Josh and Amy are the ages now that Cliff and I were when we got married. My daughter is looking at wedding gowns, thinking of dates, and I don't know where the years have gone! I blinked 23 years!!

I have a good life. I am blessed.

Memory Album

This is my brother, Jonathan about 1975 or 1976. With him was a puppy we received for Christmas that year. His name was Cubby. My mom got the puppy several days before Christmas. Jon or Elizabeth found a leash and we were almost afraid to believe that we might actually be getting a puppy!!

I love this picture of Jon. He's so happy with this puppy. In fact, from what I can remember, he was always pretty much a happy little kid (inspite of the fact he had two older sisters!!)

Today, Jon lives in Clearwater, FL. He's been there for 18 years. Hard to believe that much time has gone by. He is married to a wonderful girl and they have 2 extremely cute children that I don't see near enough!!

I hate that we live so far from eachother. There are some days that I'd just love to go have lunch and talk with him. Once I grew up, I realized he was a pretty great guy. He's a good husband and a great father and an awesome speaker (he's an associate pastor) I'm always impressed when I hear him speak.

Although he's 37!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's still my little brother and most times, I can still see a 5 year old little boy when I think of him.