My Dear Grandma
***Carrol McConaha Rhodes***
got to go to heaven on
Friday, February 16, 2018
(she was born October 21, 1921)
She lived a beautiful 96 years
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pal-item/obituary.aspx?pid=188227513
*Since I was a little girl my Grandma would
greet me with "Good Morning Sunshine" and
a glowing smile. (even if it was over the phone
I could hear her smile in her voice)
*I love the way she spoke...she was so eloquent
and expressive--she would say things like:
"I am so pleased", "How Delightful!" and
"That was splendid!"
*I am so proud and lucky to be HER Granddaughter
...to have had all of these years to be in her presence
and learn from her was a great blessing. There are
so many things about her that I want to emulate...
There are 2 particular things that stand out...
1)Her Perspective
2)Her Love of Words
*PERSPECTIVE: I love the way she saw the
world. She found the best in everything and
everyone. She was positive, joyful, and
encouraging. She set a tone and created an
atmosphere of gratitude. She turned from the
negative and intentionally devoted her time
and attention to beautiful things. Philippians 4:8
says "Whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE,
whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE,
whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE,
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about
such things." That is what she did! She loved things
like: flowers, horses, poems, quotes, reading,
journaling, candle making, peacocks, the organ,
her family, corresponding with loved ones...etc...
I know that was a God given gift--He opened her
eyes to see all the beauty he created.
*WORDS: She loved the written word. She was
such a great, descriptive writer. She started to
nudge me in middle school to keep a journal--
She said that the words will be priceless one
day--you just have to write them down. She also
loved the spoken word. Just getting to have a
conversation with her was a gift--she would ask
questions and genuinely listen for your answer
and make you feel so special. She made me feel
known and loved. I soaked up our talks and
felt so lifted up and encouraged afterwards. She
would say things like "Dear Megan--thank you
so much for calling me" or "I loved your
Christmas card....I'm so proud to be on your
list"....these words came back to me this week...
"I'm so proud to be on your list." Because
I know for certain that she got to experience
something far greater than she could have ever
imagined when she arrived in heaven...She
had Jesus in her heart and accepted Him
as her Lord and Savior...She got to look at
Him face to face and say
"I'm so proud to be on your list"
Grandma's 3 daugthers...
Sisters Crisann, Cathe and Connie
(her son Joel was right there too...
just not in this pic)
listening to the soloist sing
"His Eye is on the Sparrow"
Uncle Ben talking to the girls about
Grandma...her body is here...but she
is celebrating in heaven!!!
Her great grand children got to light the
candles at the funeral
Emersyn, Cole, Milla & Faith on this side...
Braxton, Lauren and Matthew on the other
Pretty cemetery where all 4 of my
grandparents are now laid to rest.
Our Family gathered after the calling...
(missing a few celebrating Grandma's
life from a distance but their hearts were there)
Cousins!!!!!
After the funeral we went to "MCL"...
Grandma's favorite cafeteria
The Pastor reminded us that it was a
gloomy day in Centerville, Indiana...
but--not in heaven! :)
-some of the great granddaughters
with roses in remembrance.
Grandma left a lovely legacy and
was an incredible role model and
inspiration to many generations.
She played a major part in my life
and in SO MANY others.
