Happy Birthday Grandma

Today, May 10th, 2010 - My grandmother would have been 84. She passed away on Mothers day yesterday.

My Grandmother Betty Mae Gallicchio, and me, 25 years ago.

Backtracking to yesterdays message from Holly during church - she spoke about those little "nudges" from God - those little nudges, I have yet to realize are from God, at least most of the time. During the end of the service yesterday, there was a lot of tears being shed. A lot of hurting people came down to lay burdens on the cross - and for me, watching people do this fills my heart with joy, so much so that I will start to cry, so, as I stood by my seat and worshiped, I felt a little, very very little, tug - and my grandmother popped into my head. only for a minute, but I started to cry. I thought, "Did God place that on my heart for a reason?" I passed it off as nothing (the EXACT thing Holly was talking about by the way...) I got out of church and called my mom as I usually do when I leave Lifecoast, and she had told me that Hospice was calling our family (my aunts and uncles) in to the nursing home, because Grandma wasnt doing well - a high fever of 103, very high blood pressure, and were going to start giving her oxygen soon, on top of all that, she wasnt responding. After I got off the phone with my mom, it hit me again, that little nudge- "this is it. Its time", I thought to myself - so I prayed. and cried. And prayed more, praying not that she would be staying here, but that she would be at peace, and that the Lords hand would be over her, and he would be with her. And he was. Withing the next few hours, my mom called, hardly able to speak, but informed me my Grandmother passed away.

My grandmother & all my Aunts & Uncles

In my eyes, she received one of the very best birthday presents that God could ever give - she is rejoicing in heaven, dancing with angels! and above all, sitting  with our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The last time I saw my grandmother, during Christmas 2008

I am upset that shes gone, but I find more joy in knowing what she left behind for us - her example of being a strong mother, and loving woman, and that she is Heaven, resting, rejoicing.

I love you so much Grandma, Happy Birthday.