Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Loss and Grief


This morning, my paternal grandmother left her earthly home. She had been suffering with Alzheimer's for quite some time, and was living in a nursing home, away from her beloved husband. My parents and my aunt are with him now, breaking this sad news to him.

I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to fly to Pennsylvania for the funeral. Although my dad told me it wasn't necessary to spend the money to come, my husband insisted. I'm so very thankful for his tender heart.

Grandma was suffering. Today, her suffering on this earth ended. I pray that she is in glory with our heavenly Father, but the truth is, I'm not sure of her spiritual condition, and that leaves me a bit sad. She grew up with parents who talked of the Lord, and I pray that in her last days she knew Him. That is my hope.

I've been thinking on this all day since I received word of her death. My pastor called, and we talked of how we can rest assured knowing that we serve a loving and just God. This does bring great comfort. I've also been contemplating the words of the following hymn:

Whate'r My God Ordains is Right

Whate'r my God ordains is right: his holy will abideth; I will be still whate'er he doth, and follow where he guideth. He is my God; though dark my road, he holds me that I shall not fall: wherefore to him I leave it all.

Whate'r my God ordains is right: he never will deceive me: he leads me by the proper path; I know he will not leave me. I take, content, what he hath sent; his hand can turn my griefs away, and patiently I wait his day.

Whate'r my God ordains is right: though now this cup, in drinking, may bitter seem to my faint heart, I take it, all unshrinking. My God is true; each morn anew sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart, and pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate'r my God ordains is right: here shall my stand be taken; though sorrow, need, or death be mine, yet am I not forsaken. My Father's care is round me there; he holds me that I shall not fall: and so to him I leave it all.


Verne and the children will be here waiting for my return. I have no doubt that Autumn will rise to the occasion and run the household smoothly. May the Lord bless each one of you.



36 comments:

Beck said...

Tracy, I'm so sorry about your grandmother - that's so sad. My paternal Grandma had Alzheimer's, too, and it was terrible.
Wishing you safe travel and healing.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry aboutthe loss of your Grandma. My thoughts and prayers are with yoiu and the family.

Jodi said...

((Tracy)) ~ I am so sorry for your loss. Whate'r my God ordains is right ... beautiful words to convey our God's precious care. Thank you for sharing such a touching hymn even as you grieve.

Unknown said...

Tracy, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. (((Hugs)))
~Kelli

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry for your loss Tracy. It is harder when you aren't sure of their spiritual condition.
I pray you will have a blessed time with your family because even though we have grief during a funeral, it is also a time of comfort when you can be with family that you wouldn't be with normally or maybe haven't seen in a long time.
Have a safe trip.

Mrs. Anna T said...

Dear Tracy, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord's peaceful presence be with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

So sorry Tracy to hear about your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers...thank you for sharing the words of that beautiful hymn.

Love, Tina

Susan said...

Tracy, I'm am so very sorry about this loss. They are never easy.

Father God I pray that your peace that passeth understanding hold Tracy and the other family members during this very difficult time. I pray for a safe journey for Tracy and comfort for her waiting family. In Jesus precious, precious name I pray. Amen

Wonderful song. It is a hymn I was not familiar with.
((hugs))
Susan

Rebecca said...

I am so sorry to hear this Tracy, but I must say, what wonderful sentiments and perspective you have toward it. Have a safe trip to PA (funny, I am leaving and you are coming...) and I pray you and your family find comfort in the Lord.

Tori Leslie said...

So sorry to hear about your grandmother.I pray God's grace will be evident during this time.

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the illness and passing of your grandmother. Know that I'll be praying for you and your family.

Have a good trip, we'll be praying for travel mercies as well.

Mrs. Anna T said...

Tracy, His ways are sweet and lovely indeed. I'm sorry I couldn't publish your last two comments - I'd just rather not have it mentioned on my blog. Thank you for your kind wishes.

randi said...

I am sorry about the loss of your grandma. ((HUGS)) for you.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I do hope that your travels turn out to be a blessing.

Anonymous said...

((( tender embrace )))

I'm so sorry, Tracy. Praying for traveling mercies, protection and peace during this time. <><

Jean Marie Bibby said...

Tracy, my far away friend, I share in your tears for your grandmother and you will be on my heart and in my prayers while you travel.

Karen said...

Praying right now for your safe journey and for comfort for you and your family in this time of grieving.
Love,
Karen

Anonymous said...

My sympathies on the loss of your grandmother.

Stacie said...

Mrs. K,

I am so sorry to hear that your paternal grandmother passed away. I know that it is not easy at all losing a grandparent. When, my papaw died, I felt a bit in state of shock. My family and I will be praying for your family and your parents at this extremely difficult time of loss. May you be comforted knowing God is there with you as well comforting you.

I hope you have a safe travel. I know that Autumn will do a great job while you are gone!

Love,
Stacie ♥

Living Life said...

Hi Tracy,
So sorry about your grandmother. May God be with you with comfort, love, strength, and courage. Where would we be if we didn't have the Lord? Praise God He's always with us. I love the hymn you posted. I needed to read that today. Thank you.

Short Stop said...

Tracy,

I'm so sorry. I am praying for you and your family right now! And that hymn...it is one of my all time favorites!

Much love to you, friend!

Sheri said...

Tracy, I am praying for you and your family today...

Christy said...

I am so, so sorry about your loss.

Cherish the Home said...

Oh Tracy, I'm so sorry for your loss....

And I'm sure Autumn will do a great job while you're away--because you've done a wonderful job of teaching and training her.

Blessings and Hugs,
~Mrs.B

HsKubes said...

Praying for you and your family during this time.

~ Christina

Sandy said...

Sorry for the loss of your grandmother.

Rebecca said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my own dear grandmother on Dec.6. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm glad you're going to the funeral. I wasn't going to go and then decided at the last moment to go ahead. I'm so glad I did!!!! You will be glad too.

Tracy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

i'm continuing to pray. i know the Lord will use you to minister to others during this time, and be ministered to yourself.

i'm also lifting up your sweet family in prayer, for the time you're away.

<><

Mimi said...

I am so very sorry that your grandmother suffered from Alzheimers...she is now at peace and I pray with you that she was a christian...and is now in the arms of our Savior...
I will pray for you to have a safe trip there and back.. and that you can be a comfort to your grand father...
Blessings in Him,
Mimi

50s Housewife said...

Tracy, I'm so sorry! I'll be praying for you and your family.

Unknown said...

Tracy, I'm so sorry for your great loss. I pray that you can rest assured that hers was a life well lived, with a reward to match.

And I am very glad you are there with your family to celebrate her life and remember her.

I'll say a prayer for you all.

Beemoosie said...

My sincere condolences, Tracy. May God hold you and your family close in His loving arms.

Val said...

I feel for you. Please know that we are praying for you and your family.

Sharon said...

I'm so sorry about your grandmother. Praying for God to comfort your family.

Abounding Treasures said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your recent loss and am praying for you and your family, especially your grandfather.

What a wonderful hymn filled with God's amazing promises! Thanks for sharing it in the the midst of your grief.

Blessings,
Dallas [aka Mrs M]

Tina Leavy said...

so sorry to hear about your grandmother.