Unexpected Joys

Last week, JC's Grandmother passed away.

She was 94, and it was not unexpected.  I'm so grateful that we spent Thanksgiving with her, and I had a chance to know her.  She had lived a long, good life, filled with love, and she was a Believer, so the funeral became an unexpected joy.  We were able to celebrate her earthly AND eternal life.  It was a celebration filled with song, tears, laughter, and food!  :)  Her home parish honored her committment to the Lord over the years, and bent over backwards to serve her family.  After the funeral, there was a repass that was more like the loaves and the fishes. There was so much food left over!  Here are some pictures from the meal:

Dad and his siblings:

JC and his immediate family:

Yvette, Chucky, Carla, Dad, Justin and JC

(Not pictured: Eric or Donna)

The girls!

Bernadette, me, Carla and Yvette

As the minister on the right was walking around, asking if there was anything she could get us or do for us, Dad asked her to sing another song.  (She has a mighty voice and had sang a couple of songs at the funeral service.)  She did and we were SO blessed for it.  She was quickly joined by Joan (JC's Aunt- on the left) and another minister.  These ladies stirred up the power of the Spirit; His presence was so strong!  I recorded the last minute of the song on my camera- but it is not cooperating and refuses to load onto this blog.  That makes me so sad because it really captures the JOY of the funeral!

At the funeral, several spoke of Grandmom's smile being her light.  In the later years of her life, she didn't talk a lot, but had a smile that could light up the room.  They spoke of this smile, this light, being her legacy.  We are ALL called to be a light to the world.  We are called to illuminate the path to life and to dispel the darkness of sin.  I told Aunt Joan later at the house that I felt like we should have sang "This Little Light of Mine".  She informed me that I should have- and that I should start it then. 

She pulled me into the kitchen, clapped her hands and made an announcement that I wanted to sing a song. 

I broke into a cold sweat.  You want me to do what? 

After some encouragement (read: PRESSURE), I summoned every bit of courage I had (We're talking- pulling up courage from my toe-nails!) and started softly, "This little light of mine".   Joan's voice joined in, "I'm gonna let it shine."  Dad joined, then another aunt, then the whole room was singing.  They sang in harmony- and lo and behold- they made me sound GOOD!  I was able to breathe and relax and enjoy the power of the song and that Grace-filled moment. 

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine,
LET IT SHINE.

God bless you, Grandmom.