Remembering MaCille

It does not seem fair that my grandmother died right before Christmas, but it is also certainly not fair that some people never get a family member like MaCille in their lives. I know the best Christmas present she could get was walking up to Jesus and being reunited with her husband. In fact, she will get to spend her first Christmas with him in 13 years, so we need to rejoice for that.

I am blessed to have had my grandmother in my life for 31 years. She met all three of my children. Kate will not remember her, but we have pictures to prove she knew her. I am sure MaCille sang "ba-oh, baby" to her as well as countless other children who she has rocked in her lap.
Benton and MaCille got along fabulously because they are both great snugglers. The last time we were at her house while she was healthy, Benton ran right in and jumped in her lap. He also loved her walker because it was the perfect place to store his toys.
Lindsey will remember MaCille, and not just because she has the memory of an elephant. In fact, yesterday Lindsey was writing (her favorite hobby) and needed her pencil sharpened, so she brought me the pencil and a little wooden pencil sharpener shaped like a rooster. I asked if she knew where that sharpener came from, and she said, "Of course. MaCille gave it to me because I like to write." MaCille also loved to read, and I think that hobby skipped a generation and landed with me (like how sewing skipped me but hopefully will land on Lindsey). But what Lindsey will forever be indebted to MaCille for is her bobby. Anyone who knows Lindsey knows that bobby is her lovey that has slept with her every night of her five years of life (and isn't showing signs of going anywhere anytime soon). MaCille gave me bobby at Lindsey's baby shower. So MaCille's memory will live on in our house through a worn-out but well-loved blankie.

I have the special honor of keeping MaCille's memory forever through my name. My first name was also her first name. I do not think any other child, grandchild, or great-grandchild was named after her, so I am very thankful for the name Mary. It's funny that in high school I hated having a double name and wanted to drop the Mary, and MaCille did not like that idea at all. However, she did not go by Mary herself.

On a side note, as I have been writing, I've tried spelling MaCille several ways. I think each grandchild probably has his own spelling of her name. I guess that is why mom picked B as her grandmom name--no way to misspell that one.

We will miss MaCille in this house, but we are all better off for knowing her.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears teh Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31: 28-30