The funeral was yesterday. Over 200 people came to celebrate, laugh and cry with us as we shared stories and values about my grandmother, Josephine.
Her mom died giving birth when Josephine was 11 and her father left them during the great depression. At age 15 my grandmother had to take care of her whole family. It was the power of positive thinking and prayer that kept her going. She took charge and never looked back. Raising a legacy and a very tight nit family.
As we read through her memoirs we came across her ‘values.’ Things that she tried to live by. And as I read those I realized how much she really had established within our family. Here are a few of them.
- Be the first to say hello
- Compliment 3 people every day
- Live beneath your means
- Let the first thing you say brighten everyone’s day
- Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today
- Always think the best of other people
antje said:
Wow. this really touched me.
I realize more and more just saying “i’m more kind of introvert, and don’t start talking to people” is no excuse. it’s all about, what can i give that encourages and creates a good atmosphere just by saying things. Thank God for your Grandma. God bless you and your family…
Posted on May 31, 2007 at 10:20 am
Ruth said:
those are beautiful values. they seem so simple, but in reality…if i just take a look at myself here…i’m a long way off. like antje said..it’s about giving without excuses..bless with your mouth and heart when you get the chance to.
If we could just all take these “simple” values into our lives…
Your grandma must have been a very, very special and dear person.
Posted on May 31, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Esther said:
Thanks for sharing an important part of your life with us, Shawn. The Maori have a belief that your past proceeds you. They call it their Whakapapa - what their ancestors did is relevant and a part of your life and will be in your children as well. I think we call it heritage. You have been talking about your grandma’s values in this blog even before she died. She lived well and set a wonderful example for all of us.
Posted on May 31, 2007 at 2:41 pm