Friday, October 16, 2009

Mamaw


At the end of April, my family received some devastating news. My grandmother, Mamaw, found out she had a brain tumor. They were unable to remove the tumor, but she completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiation all at the age of 82. Her strength and faith amazed everyday!! Sadly, last Friday my Mamaw lost her battle with this disease. This has been one of the hardest weeks of my life.
I had the wonderful privilege of being with my grandmother the last two and a half weeks of her life. I was also able to hear my Mamaw take her last breath on Earth, and it was amazing. I know that my Mamaw is walking streets of gold with my Papaw, Whiteheaded Mamaw, and Aunt Cindy. She has been waiting her whole life for this moment. I am crying now for me, not for my grandmother. I have no doubt that she is in a fabulous place, and she wouldn't want to leave no matter how much we begged her to come back. I am so grateful for these past 2 1/2 weeks with my Mamaw, I learned what a Godly woman looks and acts like. I can only hope that one day I am as strong a person as my Mamaw was.
I grew up living just 3 doors down from my grandparents. I have so many wonderful memories from her house on Richard Avenue. We always sat on her patio enjoying desserts and a Coke. I would always complain to my Mamaw about my Mom and she would say, "Be nice to her honey, she's got alot on her plate." Even as I got older and moved away from Mobile, I still called her to complain about something. She was always so positive and telling me "The Lord doesn't give us anymore than we can handle." I called her to talk about my struggle with infertility and she would always tell me to be patient, that God has a plan. I am going to miss these conversations so much, and I honestly don't know what I am going to do without her. Towards the end of my Mamaw's illness, she was unable to walk and had to rely on her children and grandchildren to help her. She was a strong woman and hated having to rely on anyone. Several nights ago I had a dream and my Mamaw was walking and we were all cheering her on. As I looked closer at my Mamaw, she was carrying a baby. I know that my Mamaw went to Heaven to help pick out the perfect child for Matt and me.
My family loves listening to songs that remind us of my Mamaw. I have put some videos that are my Mamaw to a T. (Don't forget to pause my music at the bottom of the page.) I love you Mamaw and miss you so much everyday!
















6 comments:

Theresa said...

Leigh, what a sweet tribute to your Mamaw. She sounds like a very precious and wonderful lady. Miss you!

Theresa Williams

Jay said...

Touching tribute, Leigh. Let us all pray we face death with such grace. May we all leave a legacy like that of your Mamaw. Too often our responsibilities cage us in and prevent us from pursuing life as your Mamaw did.

Jamey, Lettie, Ansley and Stephen said...

Leigh - what a great way to honor your sweet grandmother. I remember running back and forth between your house and her house.
I am praying for you and your whole family. And I am so glad you got to come back to Mobile to be with her those last few weeks. Hang in there.
Love you!

Katie said...

So sweet my sister...just precious. :)

abbums said...

Such a beautiful tribute. Your Mamaw is so proud of you Leigh! I know it meant so much to her to have you by her side. She is looking down on you and your family!

Lindsey said...

Precious, precious post!