Bessie Lillymay, Happy Birthday

Yesterday was my grandma's 80th Birthday & I am so grateful to my God for keeping her on this earth that long. 

Lifted High

There she rises from her deep sleep

Out comes a long string of melodies.

Under the bridge labeled "rosemary and sage"

Come out her sweet songs giving her Lord the praise.

Her voice is lifted high.

The stove turns to heat the moment it's red

An aroma of delight encircles her head

She handles her rolling pin covered with flour

Serving her family with food every hour.

Her hands are lifted high.

On Sunday her best dress is spritzed with sweet smells

Beautifully dashing, her joy sounds like bells

With arms above her head and words to her lips

Her whole heart is telling you the life she will live.

Her arms are lifted high.

Then simply and quietly she comes in the room,

"I love you and you know that Jesus does too."

Her words may be few but to me they are wise;

Forever they'll cling to my heart and my mind.

Her heart is lifted high. 

 

Everyone knows my grama. She's that kind of grandma, ya know? 
We had her party at a beautiful meadow up in the mountains - it was breathtaking. Our whole family got together to celebrate & yes, I was the photographer. *smiles*

Uncle & Cousin bring out the guitars!

These two dance so beautifully.

Aunt Ida, Grama, & Mom.

 Reading Grampa's card.

 Grampa sure was up for limbo time! He's so cute :)

Some pictures from the meadow.

At the end, Grama got everyone together. "I want to first of all thank my God." she started. And so humbly, she said "He has given me 80 years. The Bible says that 70 is the norm. And some have more. I feel like I'm on borrowed time here."
Then she looks at us, " I want to thank all of you for being here and making this the best birthday I've ever had."
She was the happiest I've ever seen her!
And then it started to rain! Everyone was already packed up, and the hail came! Everyone was all giddy and ran to their cars, we didn't even have a proper good bye!

14 Things About Grammy:

1. Grew up in New Mexico and California & Spanish is her first language. Although if you heard her now, you wouldn't believe me.

2. Makes the BEST food in all the world.

3. Sings beautifully & sings while she picks apricots.

4. Loves people to death & is uniquely generous. Is a servant.

5. Has been to Israel at least 3 times.

6. Talks of Jesus in the most beautiful way

7. Will do ANYTHING for you (Even get up for you at 3 am just to talk)

8. Writes the most beautiful letters (even if it takes awhile to read!)

9. She's authentic & everyone see's that in her & glows when she is speaking of the King. Leaves the mark of Jesus with every person she meets...

10. Always sang with me. Songs about the Lords love. (I remember most of the songs) Also told me all the stories I know about God.

11. Never got mad at me for spilling the coke just about every day on the tables & rugs.

12. Taught me to drive & picks me up almost every weekend to take me to her house. for 5 years .My house is like an hours drive.

13. Randomly comes in the room you're in just to say "I love you" & gives the best hugs
14. Listens to awesome music & loves old fashioned shows

One thing you will find out about my grama is that she is not perfect. No matter how many things she's done, Grammy is not perfection. And her beautiful heart wipes it away. But the most precious thing to me is not that she's loving--not that she does anything (and I mean anything) for us, but her heart for God almighty. That's what makes my grama beautiful.  

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Grama, Bessie Lilymay.