When we are kids, we often see our grandparents and great grandparents as immortal. We expect them to live forever. Though, as we grow up and learn the ways of the world, we realize that it cannot be. Everyone has their time, their legacy, their story, and one day, each of us will reach the final chapter. On Friday, July 31st, 2015, around 7:00 A.M., Miriam K. Bird, my Great - Grandmother, took her last breath on this Earth and went to be with the Lord. She was 90. Her last chapter had ended. Her life ended to only start a new and forever lasting beginning.
Her passing was expected, but that does not ease the pain. However, I know her destination and I know that her goodbye is only temporary. I will see her again. She is with my Great Grandpa (Gramps), my aunt Maria, and my sister Taylor. I could not wish her back, she was ready to go, and she had accomplished her mission.
She was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on October 18, 1924. She married my Great Grandpa on August, 4, 1945. They were married for 63 ½ years. She retired as a legal secretary from the law firm of Anderson, Will, O’Donnell, and Kitzler. From one son, Gerald E. “Jerry” (Erika) Bird they had five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two more on the way. I had the blessing of knowing her for nearly 21 years.
For 57 years, my Great - Grandma taught Sunday school at Illinois Avenue Apostolic Christian Church. I was one of her students. I spent many of my summer vacations, the entire vacation, in Ohio with her and Gramps. She taught me so many things. How to laugh, how to love, and most importantly how to seek the Lord. Every single person in my family can lay testament to her witness. Not a single conversation went without some reference to trusting in Jesus. She was the most Christ-like individual I have ever met. Perfect? No, but she did her best daily to spread the Gospel and set an example.
I am going to miss the house once it goes. The smell of the garage, the basement, the barn, the freshly cut grass in the backyard. The warm summer with a cool breeze. Playing ball or Jarts in the backyard, when you were in your early 80s. Swinging on the back swing. Building birdhouses. Hitting golf balls in the backyard. Your smile. I miss working in the garden and eating watermelon on the back porch with you and Gramps. Your loving hugs and kisses. Your voice. Hearing you say "That's my Boy" when you introduced me to people. I am especially going to miss Sunday school and the songs we used to sing. We still sing them, but I’ll miss your voice leading the tune. You were one of a kind. You're not there when I look around the corner, not there when I need advice, but you are with me in spirit and your memory lives on. I was very blessed to have you in my life. The time I got to spend with you and Gramps. The memories that will last a lifetime. The joy you brought into my life is unmeasurable.
Grandma used to sing us a song at bedtime and I hope one day I can sing it to my children. Every time I sing this song I think of her:
A tiny turned up nose
Two cheeks just like a rose
So sweet from head to toes
Those little ones of mine
Two arms to hold me tight
Two lips to kiss goodnight
Two eyes that shine so bright
Those little ones of mine
No one will ever know
Just what their coming has meant
Because I love them so
They’re something Heaven has sent
They mean the world to me
They climb up on my knee
To me, they’ll always be
Those little ones of mine
The last song sung at her funeral was from Sunday school. It is one of my favorites and it emphasizes the strength of her faith. It’s called The Happy Day Express and it reads as follows:
We’re going to a mansion
on the Happy Day Express.
The letters on the engine
spell J-E-S-U-S.
The guard calls, “All for heaven.”
We gladly answer, “Yes!”
We’re going to the mansion
on the Happy Day Express.
You’re welcome to the mansion
on the Happy Day Express.
The way to come is just
to trust in J-E-S-U-S.
So hear the call from heaven
and gladly answer, “Yes!”
Come with us to the mansion
on the Happy Day Express.
Grandma, I’ll miss you. I love you to the moon and back. You will always be in my heart. I will remember the lessons and teach them to my children and grandchildren. You are with me always. Tell Gramps, Maria, and Taylor that I love them. I know with all my heart that when you arrived the Lord said “Well done my good and faithful servant.” I will see you all one day soon when the Lord calls me home. I hope to make you proud.
Love,
Andrew
