Two good women.

Last night, my beloved Gram returned honorably to her heavenly home. I don't like thinking that she lost her battle with cancer, because that implies weakness on her part and my Gram was not weak. Her body was fragile, but her spirit was strong and cancer most certainly didn't beat her. She endured to the end and that's why I believe that she won the right to leave her imperfect body behind and be at rest.

The last time I saw my Gram, December 30

It's not fair, really--my grandpa, her husband, passed away back in September and it was not even two full months after his death that she received a terminal diagnosis. I think she had been looking forward to a rest after dealing with him but that just wasn't the plan for her.

Gram's birthday party, 2008

In the short months and weeks since her diagnosis, her children have been with her around the clock. She told my dad that she prayed that God would extend her life so that she would be able to spend more time with them, and I believe that He did. She was able to spend precious one-on-one time with each of her children and some of her grandchildren as well, a mercy for which we're all grateful.

Gram meeting a newborn Maren for the first time

My Gram was an exceptional woman. Her whole family simply adores her; she's truly our matriarch and queen. We'll miss her acutely. I'm thankful that my two children had the chance to know her. Porter won't remember her, unfortunately, and Maren is young so I don't how well she'll remember. I plan to make sure that as they grow I tell them about her so they know what a special person she was and how very blessed and lucky I am to have her as my dear Gram.

Exactly a week ago today, another exceptional woman departed this Earth. A woman from my church congregation who was only 48 and by all accounts very healthy (I just saw her at the gym two weeks ago), had a heart attack and died very unexpectedly and tragically. She left behind her husband and five sons, the youngest still in high school. I went to her funeral on Saturday morning and it was an incredibly uplifting and inspiring experience, despite the sorrow at her loss. Of all the people that I know, she is among the very most qualified to meet her Maker with no notice. Learning more about the life she led has inspired me to be better in every way.

Two good, righteous women gone, and the Earth is poorer for their loss. I'm privileged to have known them both and look up to them both immensely.