Legacy: Painting on a cloud

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Darlene Schacht , Author of The Mom Complex.

This article is my submission to the blog challenge sponsored by Art Bookbindery, "Empowering Writers to Self Publish."

Valera Mae Marshall
Born Dec 1, 1920
Died Mar 15, 2007

Her hair was snow white, and her weathered hands told
the stories of lifelong, hard work. She left a legacy by sharing the deep convictions of her heart. She shared courage, His hope, dignity, and grace.
Her recent death challenged me to consider the legacy I am living as well as the legacy I am leaving my Children and future Grandchildren.

Grammie said to Grandaddy that one day they would each be up on a cloud in Heaven painting side by side. ....I believe they will be painting a legacy. A legacy that they have left behind. I am so thankful to be a part of the legacy that Grammie has sewn...that she has so dearly painted with her life. She is beauty to me. She has given me such insight and precious pearls of wisdom. I am thankful for all those moments that I have breathed with her. Gleaned from her.
There are so many memories I have and many special moments that I shared with her. She continues to live on in my heart. Here is my letter to Grammie about some things I remember of her...

Oh, Grammie, how I love you! I can still hear your voice and your laughter. “Hi Sugar Babe!”

I can still feel your soft time-worn hands. The smell of your coffee laced breath. I think I may even have some clothes with a trademark of visiting with you---cat hair!

You have lived a life of rich experiences.

You made me feel special when I came for overnights by myself. You taught me to sew a pillow and crochet.

Meatloaf. Lemon drop Candies, Punkie Pie, Coffee, ice-cream sandwiches

Taking my driving test in your Toyota Celica car

Reader's Digest magazine, Bible on Tape, History Channel, Western Movies, Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion, Rummy Card Games

Your love of animals (and boy, did you have a crew!)

Your love of history.

You loved growing flowers and having them in your yard.

You were a master painter, writer, seamstress (Little Cricket), crocheter, storyteller....

God saw you were getting tired. You were ready to go home to see your Maker and Lord!

So he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.”

A golden heart stopped beating. Hard working hands at rest. Peace. Beauty. Home.

I believe that God sent us you
As our legacy from above,
To share the moments of our life,
As extra measures of His love.

Until then, I want the whole world to know how blessed our family was to have such a wonderful person in our lives. Your legacy lives on....paint Grammie! And, I will paint too!