Most of the people who read this blog are aware that my grandmother, Ruth White (or "Nanny" as she was called by my brother and I) finished her earthly journey yesterday morning. Anyone would be hard pressed to find a more godly, hard-working, and kind-hearted person than Nanny.
Born to a family of farmers in the early 1920's, she suffered through The Great Depression. The youngest of 14 children, she began working at an early age caring for the children of her older siblings. As an adult she worked a variety of jobs ("public work," as she called it) including retail, textiles, fast-food and shelving books at the county public library. Much of the time, she was doing this "public work" while also raising a daughter and caring for an ailing husband.
When my parents separated in the early 1980's, Nanny and Grandaddy opened their home to my mother, my brother and me. Although Brad Paisley's song, "He Didn't Have To Be" is about a step-parent, I can relate this song to my grandparents. They had already fulfilled their obligation by raising their own child, they didn't have to take on the responsibility of helping to raise two more, but I am glad they did.
I can remember when Nanny, a few years after retiring from a local factory, took a job at a chain fast-food restarant. Although she was probably making only minimum wage (which was probably around $4 per hour at the time) she always would give some of her earnings to my brother and me for an allowance. This part of her selfless personality remained up until her death. When visiting her at the nursing home she would often offer me some of the snacks she would be eating. If I wasn't there, she would find another resident to offer to share some of her refreshments with.
As a teenager into adulthood, some of my fondest memories were of attending Sunday Evening and Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting services with Nanny. Recently at a Homecoming Celebration at that church, another former member commented that it didn't seem right to see me sitting on that same pew without Nanny by my side. I am thankful for the godly influence Nanny has had on my life.
I was honored to have the opportunity to share her last few moments on Earth yesterday morning. She had been bedridden, but peaceful since Friday afternoon. Around 10:30 a.m. she took a breath and then she didn't take any more. I had never been in the immediate presence of someone as they stepped into Eternity before. Words cannot describe what a sacred experience this was. After 90 years on Earth, many of them hard, she stepped into the arms of a loving Savior who laid down his life for her. After 16 1/2 years apart, she was reunited with her beloved husband.
Country group Diamond Rio recorded a song several years ago called "God Only Cries For The Living." The song says, "God only cries for the living, 'cause it's the living that are left to carry on." Although I believe that the Almighty smiled as he welcomed Nanny into His Kingdom yesterday morning, I also believe that he grieves with those of us who experience the temporary separation from the lady we hold so dear. Rest in peace, Nanny, until we meet again.
In Memory of Ruth C. White
December 7, 1922 - January 6, 2012
