My Grandma Betty

It’s hard to believe that Grandma Betty has been gone for a whole week tomorrow. I truly believe that God used her 5 weeks in the hospital to prepare us for this outcome. Sometimes it still feels like I need to go visit her in the hospital but I know she’s not there.

Friday afternoon, I went to the hospital and stood in her room with my dad and my mom. My cousin and aunt were talking and I thought, “Shhh...You’ll wake Grandma.” Of course they wouldn’t, she was already gone. After the other family left just my parents, my sisters and me were in the room with her. We shared some memories and laughed about how sassy she had become in the hospital.

Later that night Mom, Lacey and I picked out an outfit for her to wear. As we were looking for jewelry I found a bracelet that belonged to my great-grandfather. His name was Laurens Orchard, like Lawrence, and I am named after him. I told my dad I found something I wanted. He chuckled, thinking we were already calling dibs on things. I explained to him about the silver bracelet, engraved with Grandpa Orchard’s name and the year he was born, 1910. He thought Grandma would want me to have it. I showed it to Grandpa. He took one look at the bracelet and said I should keep it. I will cherish it forever and add it to my collection. I also have his silver baby cup, his silver spoon and a ring that belonged to his mother.

Grandma kept everything. Saturday morning I began looking for some pictures to display at her memorial service. All her pictures are dated and list who is in the picture. Not only that, but some even include parent and grandparent names on the back. She has kept boxes and boxes of photographs, artwork from all of us grandchildren, graduation announcements, and even wedding programs. Some people would say she’s a pack rat. I think it shows how much love and pride she had for all of us. She treasured those pieces of memorabilia. I’m sure in the next few weeks we’ll find more treasures, more things to cherish just like she did.

Tuesday morning was her memorial service. In her last few weeks Grandma said she didn’t want a service, just a graveside. We knew she would be buried in Sallisaw. She thought no one would come because they moved two years ago. After living in that small town for 55 years, Grandpa convinced her it would be an injustice to all those people who loved her for so many years. He was right. The church was full. People had filled the church with flowers.

I’ve had some time to reflect on her life over the last few days. I know Laura and Lacey have already said it, but it’s true, Grandma Betty was an angel. She truly cared for everyone in her life. Her love was unconditional. She remembered everything that was important to me. In the hospital she continually asked me about the dance team. She would remember when I had a parent meeting and never forgot to ask how it went. She always put others before herself. She was a selfless woman. As my dad spoke at her funeral I kept thinking, I hope I can raise my son to be a man like my father. My grandma was a great mother to my dad and uncle. I am blessed to have had 3 wonderful women as an influence in my life as a mother. Grandma Betty was one of them.

Proverbs 31:10-31
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

That pretty much sums her up.