(photo courtesy of John Allen) |
"In family
life, love is the oil that eases friction,
the cement that binds us closer
together,
and the music that brings harmony."
Friedrich
Nietzche
What a treasure when a family can boast of having one of their own members here on this earth for 100 years. That is exactly what all on Brian’s mom’s side of the family have been doing these past few months. And recently, we all gathered in Arlington, Virginia to celebrate Grandma Helen’s 100 years of life.
I took many things away from this great celebration, and from Grandma and the legacy she is leaving.
Family and friends traveled from all over the country to celebrate with Grandma.
Aunt Bridgey and Mamaw |
Brian's dad's side of the family, who live in the D.C. area, came for the celebration. |
Cousins Brandon and Macayla, and Aunt Sandy |
More cousins: Connor and Claire and Jayden........and Uncle Mark. |
Brian's Uncle Paul and his Mom |
I would describe
Grandma as having a quiet spirit, and a peaceful and content disposition. These attributes make her a joy to be
around. In spite of difficulties in her
life (ie, losing her husband and oldest daughter, going blind) she is always
just as sweet as pie. A gentle soul.
Grandma and Uncle John (from California) |
Brian, Bridget and Timmy |
Timmy, Sandy and Kevin (picture courtesy of John Allen) |
Grandma had eight children and was married for fifty years. All of her (living) children came to honor her, coming from as far away as Hawaii, Seattle and California. Many of them spoke at her party. Here are just a few of the ways that they described her: faithful, dedicated, hard working, caring, humble, loving.
A proud Mama and her seven children. (picture courtesy of John Allen) |
“Your children are the greatest gift God will give to you,
and their
souls the heaviest responsibility
He will place in your hands.
Take
time with them, teach them to have faith in God.
Be a person in whom
they can have faith.
When you are old,
nothing else you've done will
have mattered as much.”
~Lisa Wingate
(picture courtesy of John Allen) |
Uncle Jim giving part of the tribute. |
Brian and his siblings (picture courtesy of John Allen) |
Mamaw and Uncle Mark (from Seattle) (picture courtesy of John Allen) |
There was lots of celebrating at Grandma's house all weekend long. The weather could not have been
more perfect: 70-80’s with low humidity(almost
unheard of for summers in D.C.).
Lucy and cousin Carl chatting. |
Lucy deciding what she is going to do about that dog.... |
Decision made. |
Lucy and Uncle Timmy |
I had to include this
picture of cousin Dylan (in purple, below). Lucy had never met him before; he was so sweet
and patient with her all weekend long. Lucy was smitten. She was his shadow and constantly wanted to play with him; he just went with it. I will never forget the kindness he showed to
her.
Enjoying a walk and lunch
out one afternoon in downtown Arlington. It really is a beautiful (and very clean) area:
Can you see the resemblance between Brian's mom and her brothers? |
I love these pictures
of Grandma, Lucy and Uncle Mark talking.
Do you see Grandma smiling?
I wonder what they were talking about?
Every moment of life that we are given with family is precious and is to be cherished. I can only imagine how many people Grandma has blessed by being here for 100 years. What a treasure.
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