Friday, January 13, 2012

Counting My Blessings.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've sat down to write this post, but I simply can't get the words I want across.
Last Saturday morning, the world lost one of the most loving, Christian women I know; and Heaven gained an angel that is dearly missed by her family.


Her name was Beatrice Bentley,
but known to most as "Granny B."
A saint in the eyes of all who knew her.
She was a simple lady,
A hardworking lady,
A quiet lady,
A lady who knew how to sew the perfect stitches with her eyes closed.
Her love was always felt by everyone around her.
The best Southern cook I've ever met,
With the best hand-patted buttermilk biscuits you'd ever put in your mouth.  
You hardly ever saw her without a smile on her face,
or her arms open wide to welcome her family and loved ones into her home.
Born in 1915. 
She died at the age of 96.

In the wake of her passing, we gathered as a family to comfort each other... but also to share memories. This woman lived an incredible life, and I am so thankful that I was able to be a witness to it for 21 years. Not many people are fortunate enough to know their great-grandparents, and I count my blessings that Granny  was one of mine. 

The amount of people that poured into the funeral home to pay their respects was remarkable. When you are faced with the death of a loved one, I feel like it makes you realize how much of an impact you can make on other people's lives. It was amazing to see how many people were touched by Granny. The stories people shared just put smiles on our faces, and amongst all the tears we were able to smile with memories of her.

I can't begin to express just how amazing Granny was,
but I hope that as I carry out my life.. I can walk with as much grace as she did.
and with that, I just want to share a few pictures, most we took of her a little over a year ago after her 95th birthday. 

We love and miss you Granny B!



14 comments:

Portuguese Prepster said...

your grandmother sounds like an incredible woman. I'm so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you and your family!

the girl in the red shoes said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Leslie. She sounds like an amazing person and grandma. I'll be praying for you and your family.

Jessica said...

So very sorry for you loss!! Sending my thoughts and prayers to your family! Your Granny sounds a lot like my grandma!

Kristin said...

so sorry for your loss, leslie. she sounds like an amazing woman and you have one special guardian angel in heaven watching over you!

Anonymous said...

What an incredible post about your grandmother. It inspires me to live an incredible life and it also encouraged my faith, thank you for sharing ! I am sorry for the loss of your amazing grandmother, but I know that she is watching over you every single day ! I love you, Leslie :) !

Sarah said...

We're thinking about y'all and praying for y'all. I don't think I've ever met Granny B, but knowing the rest of your sweet family, she was an amazing woman.

Ashley said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like such an amazing woman. Keep remembering all of the good times you had with her!

Nicole said...

I am praying for you, sweet girl!!

Unknown said...

Aw I'm sorry Leslie! I'll be thinking about you and your family. I know how hard this can be.

Kate said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing lady!

Jessica said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It sounds like she was such a sweet lady. I'm sure she will live on in the traits she has passed down to you and your family members

Heather said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Leslie. I was fortunate to know my great grandmother too and she was the most wonderful woman I ever knew.

Thinking of you and your family!

Carley said...

I am so sorry Leslie. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Jamie said...

She sounds like a wonderful lady! I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!