A Beautiful Soul Is Never Forgotten
1/6/1911 – 8/12/2016
Tag Archives: centenarian
Until We Meet Again
Filed under In Loving Memory
Crossing Over
Our dear Elizabeth crossed over to the other side this morning. Even though you try to prepare yourself for the inevitable, reality in 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). The picture I have of my husband saying goodbye to Elizabeth this morning, I will never forget. 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 extended our way. I thank God for the Blessed Hope that one day we shall see our loved ones again that went on ahead to glory! Imagine the grand reunion Elizabeth is having with her Savior, family and friends!
I have blogged about Elizabeth several times. Here is one of my post 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
Our Queen Elizabeth
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 more frail 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 a joke, 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 not be able to walk anymore, she may have limitations, 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: It is she who 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 a 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
Oh, Those Golden, Centenarian Years!
I told this story before and it bears repeating.
The lessons in life with its many twists and turns has been an amazing journey. I often think: What legacy will I leave behind when I’m finished with this race? What I do today, will it count for something tomorrow? When I’m long gone, will I merely be a faded memory, or 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 their destiny. As fleeting as it is, they knew their self-worth and value in this life. Women like Mother Teresa who 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, who 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 come into my life, not only as friends, but as mothers, sisters, and grandmothers. While each embodies unique gifting, each holds a special place in my heart.
One such individual is Elizabeth. She loves people. She is full of life, charm and wit. She 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 couple of years, she’s been unable to use her walker. She cannot walk anymore, nor can she read as once before. Yes, she sometimes forgets, yet her mind is still intact; her wits still sharp, as well as her tongue. My husband, daughter and I take care of her. We have a care provider that also comes in. While we attend to Elizabeth’s daily needs, she is teaching us all about life.
And did I mention a horse and buggy rushed her to the hospital and that she was one-years-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
Reflections From the Heart 