When Kool-Aid Matters & Your Legacy

When Kool-Aid Matters

6 days before the conference…we buried my wonderfully strong and Godly grandmother.

It was a shock when she passed away…even though she was 90 years old.

Her hands were gnarled from arthritis –

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Yet she continued to work with limitless energy in her home until the day God called her home.

Grandma lived alone up until 4 months ago, when my sister’s family went to live with her.  My sister is in the midst of building a new home and so grandma opened her arms in hospitality to her family during their temporary stay.  Actually, grandma LOVED the company – especially because my sister’s children are so musical. She enjoyed the piano and guitar music that daily entertained her and the company at the dinner table.

My sister marveled at how grandma was always on her feet and asking how she could help or standing beside her at the sink washing dishes.  Grandma was also a reader. Grandma enjoyed her Bible, Max Lucado and Elizabeth George books and also listened to sermons on CD.  At 90, she was still growing in her walk with the Lord…I love that!

Then on Friday, August 2nd…she waltzed right into the loving arms of her precious Savior – Jesus.

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And we wept.

Not as ones without hope – because we know that she is in heaven. But for our loss here on earth.

 

At the cemetery we had a time of sharing and I shared how I believe that much of my confidence today – to step out and do things like this blog – has come because of Grandma’s unconditional love and support.  I don’t recall that she ever spoke one critical word to me.

When I played the piano for her – even if I botched the tune – she told me how amazing I was.

When I did a somersault or cheer for her – she told me I was wonderful.

When I sang a solo in the choir – she told me I was brave.

When I played my trumpet – she clapped for me.

When I had a birthday – every single one – she was there with a gift and a hug.

When I was headed to homecoming dances – she was there with her camera taking pictures – it was like having the paparazzi following me everywhere I went.  She endlessly took photos of all my monumental moments in life…no wonder I became a blogger! lol!!!

When I went away to college, letters in the mail arrived from her –once again telling me I was brave, she was proud of me and to keep on with my studies.

Oh that support – it has truly been priceless in my life.

During grandma’s eulogy fond memories were shared.  This one stood out to me — written by her oldest of 3 sons.   He remembers that grandma always had a pitcher of Kool-Aid on hot summer days when they were playing ball in the backyard.  She showed up at just the right time with that Kool-Aid for all of his friends –and he loved that!

Kool-Aid friends.

At her funeral.

She was being praised for her Kool-Aid.

Seriously – did you know that the Kool-Aid you made for your kids this summer mattered – it’s significant.  It may be a part of your legacy!

Sometimes we think that we have to hang the moon and the stars for our kids – take them to Disney, buy them the latest and greatest styles of clothing, or cook them a steak…but could it be that the Kool-Aid you serve them is significant?

And so these are the life lessons I carry with me from my grandmother’s life.

Until the day I take my final breath –walk with the King!

Words of praise soothe and encourage the souls of children. Say them.

Be there for all the special occasions of your loved ones – cheering them on matters.

All the unseen work that we do in the home matters.  It is seen, just not always acknowledged and it is definitely appreciated in the end.

Make Kool-Aid —for real.  I don’t make it because I hate the sugar but I am reconsidering after hearing my Uncle’s memories shared.

Show up. Grandma showed up in her sons life with Kool-aid.  Grandma showed up in my life for every monumental experience and it mattered.

Make family a priority.

And pray.

 

Grandma prayed that she would not be alone when she died.  This was one of her fears living alone.  And I see the gracious hand of our God that He allowed for circumstances to bring my sister and her family into their home for just a few short months.

When she had her heart attack – she was not alone.  My sister was there tending to her, calling my mother, calling the ambulance, and laying her down in her bed.

God answered grandma’s prayers all the way to her last breath – and that my friends – makes me cry like a baby!  Because it reminds me that God never forgets his own…he is faithful to His children, answering prayers to the very end.  We must never stop praying!  God listens!

Are you a grandmother?  God isn’t finished with you yet – till the day you take your last breath — build into the life of your loved ones and walk intimately with your God.

Are you a mother of young ones?  Remember that those small things you do daily that you think no one is noticing – like stirring your pitcher of Kool-Aid – is blessing the hearts of your family.  You matter. You are significant.  You are irreplaceable.

Walk with the King,

Courtney

**Chime In: What insignificant things do you remember from your childhood that your mother may not even know touched your life deeply.  Please share them in the comment section so we all can be reminded that our day to day tasks matter and are building into the lives of our loved ones.

 

82 Comments

  1. I remember the Kool-Aid story from the conference. Growing up, that’s all we’d drink was Kool-Aid. Now I guess you can substitute Splenda for the sugar. What my son, who is 9, remembers about my grandmother who passed away 5 years ago next month, is that she’d always bring powdered donuts with her when she’d come to visit. For us,she’d make donuts in the frying pan with biscuits in the can. Or Dutch lettuce with vinegar and bacon bits. What a wonderful legacy she has left for you and your own daughter.

    1. Kelly – thanks again for coming to the conference – it was so great to finally meet you! You have been such an encourager – thank you! OH and I love powdered donuts 🙂

  2. When I was in the second grade, my favorite book was Bread and Jam for Frances. I remember my mom would fix “bread and jam” for me and my little sister and then read us the book while we ate. It seemed like it was really late at night when we did this but I’m sure it wasn’t later than maybe 9:00. I always thought we did that routine for months but once I asked my mom about it and she said it was only maybe 3 or 4 times! It was always just the 3 of us in our pajamas eating loaf bread and grape jelly but it is one of my most treasured memories from my childhood.

  3. So sorry for your loss. Your grandmother sounds like she was an amazing woman!

    The first commenter mentioned eating lettuce with vinegar and bacon bits – my grandma still makes that and it’s one of my favorite things. 🙂

    My mom taught me how to be strong. She became a single mom when I was 6, my sister was almost 1 and my brother was due anytime. (they’re 46 weeks apart EEK!) Even though my mom was going through the most difficult times of her life, she was always strong. Watching her persevere really showed me that anything is possible.

    And now I have the Lord on my side, so anything truly is possible!

    Have a lovely rest of your Sunday,
    Kristin

  4. Courtney, this might be your very best post yet.
    For me, it’s memories that my grandma made with me- having my sisters and I stay overnight with her and my aunt each Saturday night and making bacon in the morning. My sisters and I would sneak into her kitchen as she was “looking away” (LOL) and as we ran out with the cooked bacon, she’d exclaim in a very loud voice, ‘Oh no, the bacon monster is here!” Ha- I retold that story to my 5-year-old daughter and whenever we visit my mom out of town, she turns into the “sausage monster” when my mom is making Sunday morning breakfasts:)

    As I grew older, sleepovers at my grandma’s house were fewer as I started dating, going to football games, etc. However, at least every few weeks in high school, and when I came home from college breaks, we had super long lunches at a little diner. Hours and hours she would listen to me go on and on about my life, my friends, my boyfriends, etc. She was amazing. She would just sit there and listen, and then give me her advice, or tell a story of her own.

    It’s such a struggle for me to just sit and be present for my children, but that’s what I remember most from my grandma, so I pray that I can learn to do just that. 🙂
    I’m sorry for your unexpected loss, but grateful that you know your grandma is up with God:)

  5. My grandma always had ice cream and Popsicles in the freezer. We loved raiding for drumsticks, or orange creamsicles. Being at her house was simplicity. Very few toys, a total of 2 movies, and a great yard that let us pay baseball as cousins endlessly. We ran through the creek that ran in the backyard and just lived. I miss that so much.

  6. Courtney – I’m so sorry for your loss. This post was beautiful. My eyes are getting watery reading this. What beautiful memories she left you with, lessons to cherish, and a legacy (Kool-Aid and all) to be remembered. Thank you for sharing this. God is so faithful and it’s so comforting to know that He is with His children even until their last breath hearing their heart’s desires.

  7. I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. 🙁 She sounds so much like my grandmother was! What a blessing for you to have her until she was 90.

    My grandmother? Saturday night dinners- always a garden salad, roast beef, creamed spinach and egg noodles with browned breadcrumbs and always a cup of either chocolate pudding or jello she had lovingly placed in her finest pudding cups! And if we were thirsty, chocolate milk made with Bosco. There were so many things to love about her-how every night at 10pm, whether she lived with us, or before on her own, she would go to her room and have her quiet time. No one was to interrupt her. I remember not realizing, and interrupting her. Instead of scolding me, she explained that it was her quiet time with God and that everything else could wait. Little did I know at the time how her actions would impact me. Maybe it was a time when my cousin and I made mud meatballs and brought them to her and she convinced us that she baked them and ate them all…and they were delicious.

    Thank you for the reminder. 🙂

  8. My mom was my room mother for our school parties. So imagine I’m 6 and I have brothers 3, 2, 1 but somehow my mom was there managing the party. She always battled her weight and now that I’m adult I know there were times she didn’t feel good about herself and how much courage it took to come. But when I saw her walk through the door I was so proud she was my mom and I thought she was beautiful. A good lesson on what is remembered from a child’s perspective and the power of love.

    I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers and my heart hurts for your loss. Now that I am a grandmother I pray I will love like they loved me. The list you gave (especially the paparazzi) was wonderful. They both loved Jesus and cooking and so do I.

  9. I don’t remember alot about the food that I had with my grandmother but seems she would spend hours scratching my back while I laid across her lap. It was the most wonderful, comforting feeling. I know her arms must have gotten tired but she was always willing to do it. She has been gone for nearly 30 years but I still miss that time spent with her.

  10. So sorry about your grandma! I have been with out grandparents on both sides for many many years. The Kool-aid memory made me smile. My great grandma use to mail my sister and I a letter and include a quarter and a stick of juicy fruit gum. Yes that nasty juicy fruit gum, but still to this day I think of it and smile. You know what every know and then I buy a pack of juicy fruit just for old time sake.

  11. Thank you for sharing this touching and encouraging story. It ministered to my heart…our thoughts and prayers are with your family. What a blessing this kook-aid legacy she left. Enlightened me to reflect on the legacy I am leaving. God bless you sweet sis..praying for comfort and her loss.

    Love and blessings,
    Adrienne

  12. What an amazing post! We said “see you later” to my grandmother (who raised me) almost 12 years ago. There are so many things that she did that are tucked deep into my heart. The one thing that I will always remember is how caring she was. I didn’t like any type of beef dish growing up, so if we were going to have steak or burgers she would cook up a small piece of chicken just for me. I never complained or asked her to, she just knew I would like it better. I also didn’t prefer my spaghetti to be mixed with the sauce. I liked it plopped right on top. I told her that one time and from then on, she’d put aside some extra sauce and plain noodles just for me. While that may seem so simple to some, it was huge for me. I always knew that she loved me, but these small things showed a child who had been rejected by her own father and mother that someone did still truly care about her and the “small things”. Now, as a mom of four I get it. I will go out of the way to make sure I put aside some mashed potatoes for my son before adding butter to the rest of the pot. I miss her very much. You had an amazing role model in your grandmother…I pray you never forget that sweet moments. I will say a prayer for you tonight.

  13. I’m the youngest grandchild (of 12) and my grandma loved having me over and making me these amazing country breakfasts and the best frothy chocolate milk. We’d sit and watch game shows on TV. Simple. Miss her.

  14. This is beautiful! Reminds me of my own grandmother.. We just celebrated her 84th birthday today! Grandmothers are so special!

  15. This made me bawl! I would have loved to have met your grandmother. It sounds like she was an amazing lady. And thanks for the reminder that the little things matter, and sometimes matter the most. Excellent post. 🙂

  16. Courtney, what a beautiful tribute to your grandmother! Well done, good and faithful servant! 🙂

    My mom was a working mom, but she always took a week off in the summers to spend just with me — we went to the beach in the morning and saw a matinee in the afternoon. She took me to the library frequently, and we shared books. I am a reader because she is a reader.

    Hugs and prayers

  17. I always admired my mom’s pretty painted nails, but in Kindergarten I was not allowed to wear nail polish. Then I got the chicken pox. I remember my mom sitting next to my bed, and gently holding my hand as she painted my nails so carefully for the first time. I felt very special!

  18. Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your grandma’s legacy with us, she is inspiring.

  19. My grandparents were more like parents for my sister and I, and I have so many wonderful memories. One of my favourite of my grandma was her standing on the back porch laughing and laughing at me as I ran around in the dark hiding coloured eggs for my then 4 yo daughter.

    Once, too, as a teen I made an offhand comment after a family birthdays dinner that I didn’t like the ice cream cakes she always bought, but instead preferred her homemade black forest style cake. Many months later, when we got together for another multiple birthdays dinner – mine included – she presented me with my own cake while everyone else had ice cream cake. Every year after that she remembered also. 😀

    Sadly, she was not a believer so I do not have that assurance for her but I think my grandpa might have been. I’m glad for you that you have that comfort and the memories 🙂

  20. Very beautiful….I am so sorry for your loss. It has been wonderful to hear about your grandmother as I have followed your blog. What a blessingshe was to Your family! She has always sounded like the kind of woman that I would like to be when I grow up! She never stopped growing and walking with the King. We don’t retire and then just stop, God still has plans for us, ways to serve Him. Your grandmother was a beautiful example for all of us!

  21. Courtney, I feel sure that you have your own version of the Kool-Aid tradition that your kids will remember you for 🙂

  22. I was unfamiliar with your blog until my niece posted this blog entry on fb….What a blessing, since my sister (mid-50s) lost her husband on August 6 and death is very much on my mind. In addition, my mother is 90 years old and has her own unique way of letting us know she loves us. Thanks for sharing this little slice of your life, and for the encouragement to do the little things for my children that mean a lot to them.

  23. One of the things my grandma taught me was to never stop learning. At the time she died, she was taking art classes at our local community college. 🙂 She also made a point to spend time with each of us grandkids individually. Shortly after I got married, I was without a job and would go help her clean her house. She insisted on paying me $20 and sending me home with a bag of groceries. It was during those visits that I got to know my grandmother in a whole new way. In many ways, she taught me more about having a good marriage than my own parents. Looking back, I realize that God alone orchestrated those special times with her….and I will be forever grateful.

  24. I loved reading the story of your grandmother. I had a grandma exactly like that. She taught me to garden. How love and care could produce the most beautiful blossoms. How flowers could be used to bring joy and cheer to people. How to use flowers to make your home lovely for visitors. How you can work hard and get your hands dirty and still be a lady. And, above all, how to thank God for all the beautiful gifts he gives us. And , now that I am a grandmother, I blog about gardening and I’m building a beautiful garden to share with my granddaughters. Thanks for sharing…..

  25. My mother was the best! What I remember most is always having enough yet when I grew up I found out those were some of the hardest times for us! This went along with us mentioning to her that we wanted something whether it was a toy or a craving for a certain dish (she was an excellent cook), low and behold maybe a week or so later that would be what was for dinner. Or the toy would be on our bed waiting for us to get home from school. She was thoughtful and meticulous. She was an amazing grandmother too! Something my children (when/if I have them) will never know. You see I have no children and my mother too passed away, almost two years ago. It was definitely the saddest day of my life, but I too take many lessons from her.
    Thank you or sharing this post!

  26. Hi Courtney,
    Thank you for sharing. This was very timely, as tonight I will be sitting down to write the eulogy fir my own beautiful nana who died yesterday. It really is the simple things you remember – the clothes she made me, always having home made biscuits (you call them cookies) or cakes for anyone who visited, and great-nana getting down into the cubby house to play with my children -priceless memories that help take away the pain of loss. Blessings to your family as you remember and mourn.
    God bless,
    Karen

  27. My mom took in my two oldest kids when I was getting my divorce. I was in rough shape after coming out of an abusive marriage. Her and my dad took them for about 9 months….they stayed with me on my days off and spent mornings with me before i left for work in the afternoon.

  28. Thank you, Courtney, for sharing so much with us! I will always remember my Grandma cooking for the whole family EVERY Sunday. I miss her wonderful pies, cakes and stickies. She was the BEST Grandma EVER! I loved her dearly and miss her so. She was a believer and so I, too, have that comforting assurance that we will see each other again.

  29. Sorry for your loss, I know you have a great hope that someday you will see her in heaven when Jesus soon returns, but for now keep your trust in The Lord.
    I do have a childhood memory I will never forget about, even though my mother is still with me, I even tell her sometimes. When we were small (my siblings and I ) we would come from school and my mom would have 2 cookies and a glass of milk waiting for us as we watched our favorite cartoon, The Flinstones. I loved coming home cause I knew a moment to relax after a busy day at school awaited me. I loved my time to relax and laugh with my brother and sister. I cherish every moment we spent. I thank God for a wonderful family to grow up in for I know I’m truly blessed. God is awesome!!

  30. My grandmother was a wonderful woman. I remember how much she used to love having the family over for Sunday dinner. She was an amazing cook and each time it was a feast! She was my living role model of what a Proverbs 31 woman looks like. She worked for A.T. Cross (the pen company) while making my dad and granddad her number one priority. She was an amazing woman who truly loved God.

  31. Courtney, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post is beautifully written and is such a wonderful dedication to your grandma. Thank you for the quick reminder that the small things are really what counts. I was never blessed with a relationship with any of my grandparents. My children have also lost the grandparents very young age in their life. I do not have any grandchildren yet. But one day I would love to share a relationship with my grandchildren just like your grandma touched your life. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful lady in your life for so many years. I think she was a real teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family as your Grandma now enters eternal peace with our Savior.

  32. Sorry for your loss Courtney. I lost my paternal grandmother last year and it was a peaceful homegoing for her because demintia had taken over her mind. As I remember my childhood with her two things will always stick out. Her love for teaching children how to read (she was a literacy teacher) this inspired me and I am an avid reader. She had a library in her house and I would just pull books off the shevles and read. The other fond memory of her was a chili receipe that she love to make. I actually make it just like her and she didn’t write it down but I know by taste that once it gets there it is just like Grandma’s.

    Blessings.

  33. Hi Courtney,

    Thank you for being such a light and following in your grandmother’s shoes. You are leaving a legacy for the world. I also thank God for renewing your strength so that you are able to continue to right during your lost.

    Today we will celebrate home going of my uncle. Some of the family, including me, have had problems with our traveling plans and experienced delays. In times like these, that we are the most sensitive and really need to remember the small acts of kindness that made us who we are today. My mom was also a Kool-Aid mom too. She has gone on to be in glory. When we arrived in town for my uncle’s funeral, my dad said, “Hold on, let me make a pitcher of Kool-Aid.” I thought, ” Oh, sugar-aid.” So now, with tears in my eyes, I want to say thank you so much for helping me to appreciate a pitcher of Kool-Aid, and hopefully, this too can make a lasting memory for my children after their Pa-Pa goes on to meet his bride in heaven.

  34. Courtney,
    I am so sorry for your loss sweet sister. What an amazing life your grandmother led! Thank you so much for sharing her story with your readers. It was an encouragement to me. God bless you and your family. Your grandmothers legacy will truly live on forever!

  35. I remember weeping and mourning like what you have described as my grandparents… all if them stepped into eternity. It’s been several years now that they have been with Jesus. And even now I can feel tears near the surface. They were dear Christ followers, my biggest cheerleaders, and while grandma didn’t serve kool-aid, she did always manage to have Schwann’s red punch on hand when we visited!!!  Be at peace, as you are, savor the painfilled joy that comes as you relish the memories… then honor them as you completely live your life in the patterns they taught.  THAT’S legacy living!!!!

  36. My mother always woke us up singing “Summertime”–loudly and in her upper register. I didn’t always love it then but I love the memory of it now because we could have used an alarm clock but no, SHE woke us up. I still wake my kids up every morning.

    Also, my mom always had a pan of homemade brownies or a plate of homemade cookies on the counter growing up. She was always ready for our friends to come over. They knew to check the counter for the sweets too! I don’t bake but I always keep cookie dough in the freezer on the ready. You know, I didn’t realize the “little legacies” these were until you pointed out the Kool-Aid story. Thanks! I would’ve overlooked them and they are just as precious as the “big legacies”!

  37. This made me cry–to see her legacy. What a wonderful grandma you had. It made me think of my own and how she always gave me a dollar. She babysat out of her home and kept dollar bills in glass jars–I can clearly see her reaching for them every time I was ready to leave her home. And her Cream of Wheat. It was the best. Ever. I can’t eat it anymore because it’s nothing like the way she used to make it. I never really thought about that part of her legacy–but, I’m so glad this morning as I head back to school that I did. Thank you for that.

  38. Ha! I have to laugh so hard because when I was growing up that is pretty all we could afford was Kool-Aid! I am the middle child (and a twin) of three brothers. My father passed away two weeks before my 9th birthday so my mother raised all of us with the help of my grandmother! Two very strong beautiful women that I am so thankful that I knew! They have both passed and are with God and I know that they are watching over me and helping me! Thank God! Ha! Ha! I am also a single mother of seven children and we drink Kool-Aid all the time, why? Because that is all that we can afford, Ha! Ha! It is a running joke in my family because my youngest son is the main person in house that makes the Kool-Aid, so we call him Kool-Aid Boy! We have conversations about how it is going to be years from now when they are all grown how they will still pick on him and calling him Kool-Aid Boy. Thanks so much for sharing! My life has been very difficult over this past year and half and I was just having the conversation with my soon to be ex-husband that it is these children that matter the most. Hearing them laugh, hearing them argue, hearing them cry, hearing all the screaming and commotion. They are what matter the most! The people around us are what matter the most! Thanks! Cheryl

  39. Wow! What a blog and what memories they elicit! My Italian grandma was raised in Brooklyn. Never drove a car, always home cooking. Her terms of endearment for her 18 grandkids were ‘my litle broccoli’ or ‘basiligati’. ( I always thought the latter waa a cute name for basil, but recently as I was going through some info on our ancestry, discovered that was the town near Sicily her parents were from! Grandma’s life revolved around cooking . I remember the waffles she would make for us after school. She would make us ice cream sandwiches slicing neapolitan ice cream to place between 2 warm waffles. Sit down my little broccoli she would say. And she’d just sit at the table watching us enjoy our treats.

  40. Someone posted this on facebook and it really touched my heart. I am not a Grandma yet but my nest is very empty. My three sons are married as of this year and after 11 years last week since my husband was killed in a wreck I am not remarried. I don’t even ask the Lord for another husband, the one I had for 27 years was great for me and so many have never experienced the love I knew. I do struggle with significance of my daily life. Seems God is confirming that my just doing life and including others is significant. There are precious children to love on either side of my house, needy neighbors, and new daughters-in-law to encourage. My parents are older and need some extra attention and my mom in love is still a real concern as she grows older without her only son, my hubby or her faithful husband. So why do I even wonder if my little corner of the world is enough to do to impact the kingdom. Yes, this helped me remember…..my yard is filled with flowers and a precious neighbor and I connected in the yard for several years. She returned to church and influenced her own grandchildren with scriptures following our conversations over the flowers. I think the colors, the butterflies and birds they attract blesses my neighbors as they drive by. Not a perfect landscape but a “Grandma yard” the way my own grandmother taught me to enjoy the garden and make the home as much like Eden as possible. Thank you for your blog and another reminder to “brighten the corner where you are” as my Grandma used to sing to me. “Girly, why the frown…..turn that frown upside down and smile awhile! Jesus loves us, just the way we are.

  41. Oh Courtney, this made me cry and cry. Nose running and all. 🙂
    My eyes blurred too much so I tried going back to read it later and cried again.
    But they were truly GOOD tears!! What a beautiful life. I am so sorry for your family’s loss, but happy for your and your grandma’s eternal gain! SUCH a blessing, thank you for sharing her wonderful story with us. <3

  42. As a grandparent I wonder if I am spoiling them – my grand daughter wants to spend ALL her time at my house and I love it – this brings tears to my eyes – when my kids were growing up all the inlaws wondered why all the kids were at my house – all i did was LISTEN and they loved to talk – we never did much but talk, but looking back they were such good memories – it is the little things that mean so much

  43. Courtney, thank you so much for sharing your grandmother and her legacy with the world. I cried as I read this–primarily because I see how much I have to grow in my role as a mom and in building the kind of family that will bring glory to God and help others. The simplest things in life are what our families need–not the biggest, brightest, fanciest what have you, but the small simple things. Thanks for the gentle reminder and sharing with me what is really important.

  44. Courtney, thank you for sharing your heartfelt comments. Death of a loved one is such a bittersweet time. What a blessing to know you will see her again in a grand reunion!

    Here is a verse that has been a favorite of mine since I was a young woman. It assures me of the faithfulness of God as we walk with Him throughout life. May you be encouraged.

    Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

    God carried your dear grandmother from this earthly life right into the heavenly. How precious is this thought!

  45. This is a great encouragement to me! Sometimes I’m tempted to compare myself to ‘better’ moms – who do it all, when I don’t. Simple Kool-aid (or some such thing)? Now *that* I CAN do! Such a super reminder for us drowning in kids, laundry, meals, car-pools, cleanup, wash-up, and get-to-bed routines… Thank you Courtney!

  46. Thank you for this story. We just lost my mother in law last month, rather suddenly. I loved my mother in law. She was like another mom to me and she was one of my best friends. I will miss her every day. Our kids are only 1 and 4 and it kills me that they won’t remember everything about her. She was a great grandma. I noticed that as the family was gathering for the days leading up to her funeral, nobody spoke about how much money she had or jobs she had during her career….it was all about how she treated others and made us all feel important and loved and what a great wife, mom, grandma, sister and aunt she was. We all get caught up comparing ourselves to others, but she wasn’t like that. It makes you think about what is truly important in life!

  47. Thank you for sharing this Courtney. I know how special your grandmother was to you from reading your blogs praising her. It was a really great reminder, especially before the beginning of another school year, that our everyday, what seems like, mundane tasks can be a blessing to our children and our husbands. I got emotional upon reading how God answered her sweet prayers to not pass alone, what a beautiful life she lived. I strive to live my life in such a way that my children will praise me when I pass and reflect back on the “kool-aid” I served them daily 🙂 xoxo

  48. My next door neighbor, Miss Mary, was like a grandmother to me until she passed when I was 7 years old. She always had a box of Andes candies for my brother and I. She allowed us to have one each to go with the homemade limeade she helped us make in tan and brown coffee mugs. We squeezed our own limes, added the sugar and water, and stirred and stirred! I’m 27 now, but limeade still makes me think of her. She was always so patient with us, and I still miss her even 20 years later.

  49. We buried my Grandmother in June. As a child I remember visiting in the winter and looking forward to getting up early and spending time with her before she left to work in their shop down the street. My favorite was to stand with her in the quiet of the morning and look out the kitchen window at the frost on the field behind the house. Later we visited the shop as she proudly introduced us to all the customers. In the evenings I remember her stories and laughter as we sat together while she rolled her hair.

  50. Tears, tears, tears….Courtney your stories move us, bless us, speak to us, and challenge to change us! What a beautiful story…what a beautiful grandmother you had (and still have waiting in Heaven for you)…I have no doubt that the day she met her Jesus, that mantle that she carried in her life was passed on to you…at least as I read I felt that in my spirit. Thank you for your continued, selfless ministry…it is because of you, your videos, your blog, your story, and the evidence of the Lord’s hand upon it all that I am getting ready to sign up for my first Good Morning Girls session! Can’t wait for the Lord to do a deeper work in my heart and my life as a wife and a mother- all glory to God, but thank you so much for being willing to be such an inspiration! God bless you mightily and your family in Jesus’ name!

    1. I couldn’t say it better, Dana. You expressed to Courtney exactly how my heart and mind felt after reading the Kool-Aid story.

  51. It was great to read this. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandfather this July, he was 88. He was sick for several months, and honestly at the end it was a blessing that he could be in a better place, free of pain, with my grandmother-his loving wife of 53 years. You really hit the nail on the head when you said that your grandmother’s death was a shock, even though she was 90. That is exactly how I felt about my grandfather. I loved the memories you shared here, and I will be praying for you and your family. I don’t have kids of my own yet, but I am married, and it is nice to be reminded of what really matters. Not the huge things in life, but just the simple, loving, every day gestures, just like your grandma and her kool-aid. Thanks again for sharing, I always look forward to reading WLW.

  52. One of my earliest memories of my mom (that I don’t think I fully appreciated until I got older) was when I wanted to have lunch served on my miniature table with tiny chairs, and my mom joined me there for lunch, Just the two of us. I think I was about 4 years old at the time.
    My grandmother would even read the Bible every evening when she was on vacation. She would take me along for a one-month getaway, and one of my dearest recollections is remembering her reading the Bible in a rocking chair in the cottage.

  53. I shared this post on my facebook page and it started a discussion. Being a blogger, it got me thinking and inspired my post for today 🙂 I shared this post on mine today and hope that it gets people reflecting on their own lives……

    I lost my 34 yo husband last December and he left an amazing legacy, one of which I am certain he had no idea he would leave. He has inspired me to live a better life……

    Thank you for this article….VERY well timed 😉

    http://indulgentaromas.blogspot.com/2013/08/i-want-to-do-more-than-just-exist.html

  54. Courtney, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank so sharing your precious memories of your grandmother. I lost my own grandma last year, she was 96. And honestly your post brought me to tears as I remember the legacy she left our family as well. What a great reminder that the Lord hears our prayers until the very end, He is so faithful.

  55. Oh Courtney. This post is so inspired and just makes me cry. And think. I’m so sorry for your loss. My own Grandma unconditionally, truly made me feel perfectly loved and beautiful. I will never stop missing her and look forward to the day when we meet again. All your points were so good to read. About what matters now. And about God never being finished with us yet.
    Hugs! ~A

  56. I’m sorry about loosing your Grandma! Praying for you and your family.

    I remember how when I would be upset and crying my mother would always cool my wrists in cool water and pull my hair back. Now that I’m older and live far from home I always start to feel better when I’m upset and do those two things.

  57. Recently, The Lord led me to make a Gratitude Jar for my mama, to thank her for all the things she has done for me over the years. I used card stock, cut into the shape of hearts, and decorated the jar. My Mama struggles with her memory, but for a glorious 45 minutes, while we went through the jar together, she was back. She was Blessed. She was edified. The Holy Spirit reminded me of so many things to put on the cards…

    I am sorry for your loss. How beautiful that you had the gift of an amazing, loving Grandma, for so many years!!

    Sara

  58. Thanks, Courtney for sharing your grandma’s life with us. What an inspiration she is even as she has gone on to live with her Lord. I know you will miss her, but have many, many wonderful memories. I only hope and pray that I can be a grandmother that my grandchildren reflect back on in such a way.

    Decah

  59. I was struck as I read your post from a FB link. I am just going to prepare my supper and I decided I was going to make a salmon sandwich. The next thought was that I wish that Aunt Helen was here to make it for me. My mother was the youngest of a family of six and her two older sisters were grandmothers to me because my grandmother passed away before I was born. My dear Aunt Helen would make her famous sandwiches-just ordinary canned salmon, salad dressing and fresh bread but they tasted better than no one else’s. I use the same things and I watched her make them many times, but no one else can do it as she did. Thanks for the memories. Perhaps I’ll have a glass of Kool-Aid with my sandwich!

  60. Courtney,
    My sympathy goes out to you on the loss of your grandmother, but how wonderful it is only for a short time and then you’ll be together again. I have wonderful memories of both of my grandmothers–tea parties with Kool Aid and peanut butter sandwiches and the best home made rolls in the world!! But most of all the time they spent with me. Now that I’m a grandmother, I hope to make those same memories with my six grandchildren. This summer, much to my daughter’s alarm, I made them Kool-Aid lots of times–but I used Stevia–the kids thought it was great!! They grow up so fast, I just want to hold onto them for as long as I can and make as many memories for them as I am able.

  61. Thank you for sharing!
    I love hearing about the legacy the generations before us have left… it reminds me that it’s the little things that are impacting our children so.

    Earlier this month a dear family friend passed away – and I was so touched by the words exchanged between his oldest son and my dad about ‘lurking around the table’.

    Again, it was the little things that truly impacted this son. I blogged the story here if you are interested… http://nolongerashes.com/lurking-around-the-table/

    Blessings!

  62. Courtney,
    I’m so sorry for the loss of your Grandmother, but thank you for sharing what a legacy she left. Thank you for reminding me how important it is to show up, be supportive and be present in my children’s and grandchild’s life. Life gets so busy – sometimes it easy to take family for granted. I don’t want to do that, so I appreciate this reminder. My prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing, even in your sadness at missing such a wonderful woman.

  63. Kool Aid is not good for you at all!! The red, green, yellow, and other coloring in it
    plus the huge amounts of white sugar used is not good for your health at all.
    It can cause behavior problems plus other health problems.
    There are many other healthy ways to leave a legacy.

      1. No, it is a wonderful post. But was just thinking that others might consider something else
        that would be healthier for them. I just have knowledge of how bad these food colorings are.
        There are healthy replacements. It was just that I did not want some parents to not understand
        why their children can have behavior problems from food and drink.

        1. Martha – Thank you for sharing your heart here. I think it’s wise that we each go with our own convictions. I have to consider that the woman who stirred the Kool-Aid and drank it lived to be 90 and had no behavioral problems. 🙂 And her sons and daughter who drank it –are all in their 60s and all healthy too. 🙂 Actually – they aren’t just healthy – they are rather fit for their age! My oldest uncle still wears muscle shirts and he’s got real muscles there from laying carpet. The other son is a carpenter and cabinet maker — strong. And the youngest son has been a champion skier and just posted photos on facebook of him riding long distances on his mountain bike through Aspen Colorado this weekend. And my mom – thin, healthy, beautiful and definitely no behavior issues 🙂

          Sometimes I think these studies on sugar and dyes lack the wisdom of the strength of a mama who directs and loves and disciplines her children. That will be ten times more effective than eliminating dyes and sugar.

          And of course this post was not really literally about serving Kool-Aid but rather written to remind mamas that those little things we think our kids will forget or don’t seem to matter – matter. 😉

          Lots of Love,
          Courtney

          1. Courtney,
            Overall, I think you are so right. Love covers many things and brings about good
            emotions which can overcome a lot of bad things.

            You answered most gracefully. I appreciate that. Love is much better for kids than
            all the turmoil and the kids will definitely benefit from that.

            So wonderful to have a loving grandmother. She must have really cared.

  64. I can honestly say that I have any good memories of my grandmother or my great grandmother. They are both still alive and crazy. IT saddens me to come from such a turmoil family, I want to stop the cycle but I don’t know how to.

  65. Both of my Grandmothers are now with their Savior. I miss them so that it literally makes my heart ache. Warm honey buns for breakfast, snapping peas, turning the crank for homemade ice cream, sweet tea, and the most comfortable beds when time to sleep…just some of the things that come to mind when I think of them. I also remember the Holy Bible (King James Version of course…this still makes me giggle) and a large print copy of My Daily Bread. Hands folded in prayer. My oh my…what I wouldn’t give to hold those hands again. Thank you for sharing such a deeply emotional and personal time with us. Psalm 112:1 & 2…I am a most blessed generation because of Grandmothers that feared the Lord and delighted in His commands. To God be the Glory!

  66. That was neat. Made me start thinking what my children’s grandparents memory will be. Picking out tomatoes from Nana’s garden? Playing in Grammy’s spa? The simple little things is what they will remember even when they are all trying to make huge memories. I wish my children’s grandparents,…. any of them, were believers.

  67. This is precious. I am nearing empty nest and sad that so much of my job is over. This made me see that is not true. There is a lot more I can do. Your grandmother is amazing. Mine was not like this. Thank you for the perspective you passed on to me. Such hope.

  68. Courtney, I am so sorry for your loss. Your post made me think of my Grandma who was always concerned about her grandkids. She would write letters constantly and would be there with a listening ear for anything. There are so many stories to remember from young childhood to the day of her death. One of the things I remember most about my Grandma and her legacy is that she was in a hospice facility for the last 18 hours of her life and even then she was concerned about others. Asking how so and so’s from church – how their surgery went a couple of days earlier and asking if this and that one had been in church and saying that someone needs to check on them. So even on her death bed she was caring for others. I have a picture of my Grandma taken many years ago now – she was “caught” doing her morning devotions – a treasured picture for sure. I also have a picture of my mom who died last year that I “caught” doing her morning devotions. I don’t have a picture of my grandpa doing his morning devotion other than in my head and remembering him study. One morning and yelling to my grandma to come and see what he just found in Malachi pronounced Molochi. Even after years of studying the Bible he still found something new in it and he too was still growing in the Lord. What a legacy my grandparents and my mom have left behind.

  69. I remember I use to rub my grandmas feet with lotion, and then I began to rub my mothers feet witb loition, the kind with crushed walnut shells in it.
    Though my grandma has gone to be with Jesus and my mother ( foster mother) is still with us and 30 yrs have passed, I actually long for the day I visit again ( its been 8 yrs ) so I can rub my mothers feet again. She enjoyed it so much.
    And I can think of no way more humbling than to show your love to one another than to do as JESUS did and to show the true heart of a servant than by rubbing or washing anothers feet. NO, I don’t have a foot fetish!!!!
    I just love being humble and showing love to others.
    I would wash anyone’s feet who came to my home if they would allow it, but I guess people think its to weird, I feel bad for them because they are missing the point!!!!
    Anyways thank you for sharing this story. I cried like a child, and will share it as well. GOD BLESS THE KOOL-AID AND ALL WHO DRINK IT, IN JESUS NAME, AMEN!!!!

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