Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Last Grandma

I flew out to Utah/Wyoming to celebrate the long and happy life of my Grandmother Hepworth, but little did I know that another important celebration was also taking place here this weekend...the 80th birthday of my Nana Crain (the last of the kids' great-grandparents).

While calling the death of my beloved grandmother convenient sounds a little sacrilege, I am feeling quite blessed at the serendipitous timing. I came out West to honor the life one grandmother and while I'm here I get to honor the other in person.
My Nana Crain is the very epitome of a true southern lady with her sweet "Okie" accent and generous hospitality. Like my Grandma Hepworth, she never forgets a birthday, even with dozens of grandchildren and I am still surprised at how quick she is to answer each and every letter my kids send her in our weekly letter writing. And wow what a writer she is! My kids are enthralled hearing about her days with her cute little pug named Lucy and even I love reading her detailed, well-written descriptions about her life. I couldn't brag about my awesome grandmother without talking about her amazing cooking. She is legendary in the Crain family for her delicious and HUGE meals. I only wish I could cook and entertain half as well as she does.
For as sweet and kind as Nana is, the thing for which I am most grateful for is her faith and courage. Living in the Bible Belt of Oklahoma, her decision to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ was not a popular one in her community, but embrace it she did. When I think of that fateful stormy day more than forty years ago when she let the missionaries in to teach her family the Gospel, I am forever grateful for the legacy of faith that began that day.

Happy birthday Nana! I love you!



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5 comments:

Denise said...

I am glad that you got to spend some time with your grandmother...that is so special.

Holly said...

I like the quote about your grandmother embracing the gospel, even though it was not a popular decision. I can relate to living in the Bible Belt. :-)

Steve-Rosanna said...

What a beautiful tribute Lara. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. You do indeed have a couple of awesome grandmothers.

And we are so delighted that you have the opportunity to be here this week to honor both of these great women. Serendipitous indeed!

We love you Lara and appreciate your sweet and loving insights.

Dad and Mom

K said...

We love you Grandma! Happy Birthday!

annalisa said...

Happy birthday Grandma! I hope your birthday was wonderful! You are awesome!

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