A Beautiful Soul Is Never Forgotten
1/6/1911 – 8/12/2016
Filed under In Loving Memory
Our dear Elizabeth crossed over to the other side this morning. Even though you try to prepare yourself for the inevitable, the reality of losing a loved one and having to say goodbye still has a way of slapping you in the face! Never mind that she was 105 years young, it was hard to see her go.
Many of you know that Elizabeth was not my mother but a dear, precious friend of some 30+ years; however, I realize that many of you don’t know that. I got to know her intimately these past few years while my husband, daughter, and I cared for her around the clock. She was like a grandmother to me, but she was more like a mother to my husband (he had lost his own mother at age 15). I will never forget the picture I have of my husband saying goodbye to Elizabeth this morning. I love the way he loved her!
Elizabeth’s feistiness, wit, and humor held her in good stead for all these many years. She was easy to love, a precious gem to all who knew her. She loved life, she loved people, and she loved her God.
In the days ahead, much preparation needs to be done. We are also planning a Memorial Service at our church next week. Elizabeth’s funeral will be held in Tulsa as she wished.
I thank everyone for their love and support. I thank God for the Blessed Hope that one day we shall see our loved ones again who went on ahead to glory! Imagine Elizabeth’s grand reunion with her Savior, family, and friends!
I have blogged about Elizabeth several times. Here is one of my posts about her.
So long for now, Elizabeth. May you rest in peace with no more pain, dancing with your Father God in fields of grace. Until we meet again.
Bronze sculpture in the Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, UT
In Loving Memory …
Elizabeth Bearden
January 6, 1911 – August 12, 2016
Filed under Blessed Hope, In Loving Memory, Loss of a Loved One
Remember Elizabeth? We still care for her. My husband and daughter are in the construction business together. Whenever all three of us have to work, Amy then steps in and cares for her while we’re gone.
Elizabeth loves people. She’s always been full of life, charm, and plenty of spirit. Although frailer than before, she still believes in 90% attitude and 10% circumstance. Her favorite song: No matter what the circumstances, what I feel or see – the Word of God is working mightily in me.
Elizabeth loves to laugh, crack jokes, watch the Kentucky Derby, and cackle at America’s Funniest Videos. She loves The Lawrence Welk Show and would go right on dancing if only she could.
I’ve known her for over thirty-five years. She may be unable to walk anymore, have limitations, or forget what day it is, or if it’s morning or night. But her heart continues to beat. Her wit is still sharp, as well as her tongue.
They say the Lord sometimes works in mysterious ways. A few years back, due to circumstances beyond our control, we needed a place to call home. Elizabeth needed someone reliable and dependable to care for her. She pointed out the obvious and insisted upon the arrangement. Bonds were sealed. Hearts were mended.
While we attend to Elizabeth’s daily necessities, she is grateful and cannot express enough how much she appreciates us. But believe me when I say: She has enriched our lives, and we are grateful for her.
Once upon a time, a horse and buggy rushed a mother to the hospital to give birth to a little girl. The year was 1911. It is a fact that Elizabeth was one year old during the Titanic. Yes, she will be 105 years young on January 6th.
As the Lord continues to give us the grace needed daily in performing this important task, He reminds us how much sweet Elizabeth is teaching us about life.
To know our Queen Elizabeth is to love her!
As I age, may I emulate her God-giving longevity and passion for living life to its fullest.
Elizabeth, 40 yrs.
“Lord, teach me to number my days so that I may apply my heart unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Filed under Centenarian, Elderly Care
I told this story before, and it bears repeating.
The lessons in life, with their many twists and turns, have been an amazing journey. I often think: What legacy will I leave behind when I finish this race? What do I do today? Will it count for something tomorrow? When I’m long gone, will I merely be a faded memory or a burn in someone’s heart? Will my deeds be forgotten? Lost? Or buried?
I’ve read about some incredible women. These women did not allow age, status, limitations, or even imprisonment to keep them from destiny. As fleeting as it is, they knew their self-worth and value in this life. Women like Mother Teresa gave 50 years of service to the poor, the sick, the orphans, and the dying in Calcutta, India. Women like Corrie ten Boom, who spent 10 months in a concentration camp at the age of 53, began a worldwide ministry that took her into more than 60 countries in the next 33 years of her life. I didn’t know them personally, but they were admirable, inspirational women.
They made a difference.
Many endearing women have entered my life, not only as friends, but also as mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and mentors. While each embodies unique gifting, each holds a special place in my heart.
One such individual is Elizabeth. She loves people, is full of life, charm, and wit, and believes in having a 90% attitude and 10% circumstance. She loves to laugh, crack a joke, watch the Kentucky Derby, share about her travels around the world, read anything that takes her miles away, watch The Lawrence Welk Show, and go right on dancing if only she could.
I’ve known her for over thirty years, but within the past few years, she’s been unable to use her walker. She can no longer walk or read as she once did. Yes, she sometimes forgets, yet her mind is still intact; her wits are still sharp as a tack, as is her tongue. My husband, daughter, and I take care of her. We also have a care provider who comes in. While we attend to Elizabeth’s daily needs, she teaches us about life.
Did I mention that a horse and buggy rushed her to the hospital and that she was one year old during the Titanic? That’s right. Elizabeth was born in 1911. You do the math.
To know Elizabeth is to have your life enriched.
As I age, may I emulate her love and passion for living.
Bind us together, Lord …
© M.A. Pérez 2015, All Rights Reserved
Filed under Aging, Golden Years
From Heart to Heritage
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Reflexiones del Corazón
I just want to thank Mandy for making me a hero in her garden. I was deeply touch and wanted to share my appreciation by adding her link on my sidebar. Click the picture below to view her blog. . .
Reflections From the Heart 