Lasting Memories

Beatrice NeSmith
March 16, 1924-Jan. 25, 2012
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Summer

The world lost a beautiful woman this past Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. I say the world because at 87 years old my grandmother was a beacon of light and love, and this earth is heavier with the loss of that kind of goodness.

Beatrice NeSmith had what many would call a rough life, she was bestowed with too much responsibility at too young of an age, and she endured much trauma and loss throughout her many years; she could easily have become an angry and bitter woman. But her character was far too strong to be dictated by the darkness she experienced. She was the sweetest, most unconditionally loving woman. She gave every ounce of herself to those she loved, and she made the most of each moment with all of us.

She found joy in simplicity. She was captivated by the beauty of flowers, which she would ever so sneakily trim from gardens and display for her family. She was overjoyed with her great-grandchildren, and filled with pride for all of us. When we faltered she lifted us up. She was the one to find the silver linings and remind us that there is always hope. She believed in the best of people, and did not hold grudges. She was humble, and laughed when told she was wise. She never passed judgement, and she would surprise us constantly with her sense of humor. She was generous and hardworking to the extreme, and even in her late eighties would shoo us grandchildren away from the dishes. It is hard for me to comprehend that I will never again find her puttering in the kitchen.

My grandmother was an extraordinary woman, and to say that she will be missed deeply is an absolute understatement. I will see her gentle smile every time I pass by a garden, I will hear her patient voice every time I find myself frustrated with my children, and I will feel her heart within my own for all of the days of my life. She was my roots, and in every fiber of my being I will miss her. In every joy and every sorrow I experience, I will feel her there with me.

"Footsteps"

One night I had a dream--

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord

and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,

one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

there was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest

and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

you would walk with me all the way,

but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times

in my life

there is only one set of footprints.

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,

you should leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,

I love you and I would never, never leave you

during your times of trial and suffering.

"When you saw only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

...Mary Stevenson