My grandmother, Minne Phillips (Nammie) passed away a few weeks ago. I was honoured to be able to take part in the service. Below are the words I shared in my eulogy…

Remembering Nammie

nammieI love this picture of Nammie. It’s just as I will always remember her. Her bright smile, which was always a great match for her sparkling eyes. And her laugh, who can forget her laugh?

She had a face that glowed, especially when she had a house full of family. Times when I think she just sat in the middle of us all and just soaked in all she could. Smiling and laughing with us in all our foolishness.

My earliest memories of her are always when the family is gathered around the house. Times when the kitchen, porch, living room, all of them packed with family and friends. The house full of stories and laughter. Where was Nammie? Sitting in the middle of it all, loving every minute of it. I’m sure many of us have the same memories, whether your memories stretch further back than mine, or even just a few years ago.

As the poem the poem she wrote says, she was so proud of each and every one of her children and grandchildren. Each one of us was Nana’s girl or boy telling us how proud of us she was. Always treating us equally, and was genuinely interested in what we had to say, no matter how old we were, or how incoherent our stories might be.

She wasn’t as concerned with what we did, but the questions usually was, “Do you like it?” As long we were happy with what we chose to do in our lives, she was happy.

As I think about this family and the diversity within it, I know she was happy because we are happy. Her face showed it. Our happiness is reflected in those sparking eyes and beautiful smile.

A hidden poem found in a drawer she sat beside every day tells us how proud she is of all her children and grandchildren. How she appreciated each and every one of us and the lives we live.

She laughed with us, she cried with us, she listened, she cared, she prayed for us. What more can someone ask for in a mother, grandmother or friend?

Today we come together to mourn, to remember and to celebrate the life of a great woman. A woman who lives on in each in every one of us, in our memories and in our upbringing. A woman who taught us each life is precious and worthy of love and support.

Unfortunately all of us could not be here today to remember Nammie. Dave shared these words online, and I share them here:

“The Book of Revelation says, that their will be no more pain, tears or sorrow anymore when we reach Heaven. My favorite leading lady had a lot of pain, tears and sorrow this side of Heaven. BUT NO MORE.!!!! Nammie is free now. Thank you Lord for your promises are always true. Love, your Grandson, Davey. I will see you again!!!!”

It’s been a rough few years for us. We’ve said good bye to too many loved ones lately it seems. But each time we gathered together, we can be sure of the one who gave us our strength. In a family full of nuts, she sure was the toughest. Our rock, our glue, she held us all together.

The book of 2 Timothy says,

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

The last few years have drained Nammie emotionally and physically. But like Paul, she kept the faith and is now reaping the rewards of a live well lived in the presence of our almighty God. A God who wipes away every tear from every eye.

May God hold you His strong embrace Nammie. We love you, we miss you, and we’ll see you again.