It’s only fitting that I pause for a moment tonight to commemorate the life of my Grandma Myrt.

Myrtle Scruggs, my mother’s mother, a sweet and gentle woman except when behind the wheel, passed away last night, July 11, 2012, at about 20 till midnight Kansas time. My mom said her sister Sharon was with her, holding her hand as she slipped away. My mom’s two other siblings and their families were also present and around Grandma over her last few days, surrounding her with attention and love through this weekend especially, and what a suitable tribute to this woman. She raised a family of kids who themselves were bathed in love.

Myrtle had been in a rest home for the last few years, and during that time, her mind lost lucidity. In the last few weeks, she was discovered to have a hip fracture. In the last week, my sedate grandmother quit eating and drinking. She was ready to go.

Myrtle grew up as an orphan in Texas. She is who I can proudly claim my quarter Swede came from- she was a full Swede. She used to like to dance when she was younger, and she outlived three husbands. Her first husband, the father of her children, died in a packing house accident when my mom was a teenager. He was a godly man, my Mom notes, and together they influenced the rich Christian heritage that has graced our family line.

Myrtle loved God, laughed easily, liked to fish, collected mothballs, and delighted in her family. She didn’t need a lot- she was happy with what she had, and she died wealthy, surrounded by a lot of love. She loved each child and grandchild individually, in her own language with each, usually conveyed through a twinkling stare with a broad warm smile. And what she certainly had some responsibility for is passing down a vein of humor- which is sometimes sardonic and sometimes irreverent, but always real and relieving- that lives in her children and grandchildren. Myrtle raised a family that knew how to laugh- with life, and at life- which is a significant legacy, indeed. She raised happy children.

Myrtle is the last of my grandparents to pass on, so I am reminded that the arc of life is short. In a quick sprint, I too will spring from this mortal coil and jump into the grace of God’s love. We all will make the jump sometime, and this reminder leaves me solemn. If only that I would chase higher things more and love greater while here on this globe.

Myrtle was 91. She saw a lot of change in her life. A lot of years. And she saw her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought her joy.

I always felt loved by Grandmares, regardless. And because of this, I don’t feel real sad tonight. She is in a better place. She is being well taken care of.

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My friend Wendy today suggested I think of ten things I am thankful for, as an exercise for relaxing in God’s grace. Now is as good a time as any to do this.

This is not my list of ultimate graces I have received. It is just my list for today.

1. I am thankful for my grandmother, who loved me all my life.
2. I am thankful that my big boss squeezed my shoulder this afternoon and expressed his condolences. It was a kind gesture.
3. I am thankful for my friend Wendy who comes up with great exercises, who has the best laugh and enjoys salacious ribaldry.  She also points me at Jesus regularly.
4. I am thankful for my friend Kurt who gets up twice a week and runs with me in the morning.  He keeps me going out there for exercise.
5. I am thankful for my siblings, just cause I am lucky to have such great ones.
6. I am thankful to have a job, and a good boss who has kept me around for over 4 years.  He had cancer, and now hedoes’t and (6.1) I am also grateful for that.  He is wise, sharp, skilled, and a all-around impressive dude.
7. I am thankful for friends and family who have listened to my sad story for a year now.  I am striving to move on, I promise.
8. I am thankful for second chances and new beginnings.
9. I am thankful for French Vanilla coffee creamer and Vanilla Nut coffee.  Such a great treat.
10. I am thankful for you, taking the time to read this. Thanks.

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For whatever reason, whenever I would hear this song in recent years, it always made me think of Grandmares.  I hear the song, and I always see her.  I suspect I always will.

I love you, Grandma!

Link: Myrtle Collin’s Obituary