On Sunday, March 21, my beautiful Grandma went home to our Savior. She left at noon, which I think is something she did on purpose. Noon is when everyone always went home from church and made a big dinner. It was a time for family to come together. Now, I don’t know what all really goes on in heaven, but I like to think that when she walked through those gates, she was welcomed by all of our family members that are already there, and that they had a huge dinner waiting for her.
A few years ago, my mother and aunt took my grandma to the ABQ airport. If you knew my grandma, you knew she was a glamorous and gorgeous woman who was always dressed to the nines. At the airport, she was treated like royalty the entire time, skipping through ticketing, security, etc. At the gate, the pilot himself came off the plane to personally assist her in boarding. The entire time, the man who was escorting them through the airport kept telling various employees, “Estella’s here! Estella’s here!” Grandma just smiled and sparkled the entire time. I think that when she got to heaven, angels must have been flying around shouting “Estella’s here!”
Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I have ever done. She was and forever will be the queen of my heart. Her love was unconditional, her life a living testimony to Christ. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have all risen up and called her blessed.
The impact that she had on me personally is beyond description. She came to live with my family when I was 12 years old, and rotated between our house and our relatives for the following 13 years. I invariably shared a room with her. Now, for most young teens, sharing a room with Grandma is not the coolest thing in the world. I resented her for it and popped more attitude than I care to admit. However, as I grew up, she ceased being only my grandmother and became a true friend, and in the last few years, became one of my best friends. We spent countless nights lying in bed talking to each other till well after midnight. I was able to tell her my secrets and never worried that she would tell anyone. I know she is at rest and I wouldn’t make her come back to this earth. I just can’t believe that my time with her is gone, that I will never stay up late on hot summer nights talking with her, that we will never share another cup of coffee or play another round of cards. I can’t believe that we won’t share a pineapple sundae from Sonic, make another batch of strawberry jam, or cook another Thanksgiving dinner together. I only hope that I will be half the woman of grace, wisdom, intelligence, and strength that she was.
Perhaps the single most defining part of her was her undying love for my grandpa. She was married at 16 and widowed at 17. A few years later, she met a military man by the name of James Dacy. She loved him deeply and passionately. They were married for more than 40 years before he went home to Christ. She followed him around the world multiple times, and always told me that her place was by his side, no matter what. When other wives whose husbands were deployed went home to their parents, she stayed at his home base and waited for his return, even when he was sent to Africa for 3 years. She was faithful and true to him throughout their marriage and even after his death. After he passed away in 1994, a friend asked her if she would remarry. She replied “No…I’ve already known the love of my life. I’m waiting for Jim.” Wait for him she did, as faithfully as if he were merely on a deployment again. I know that when she went home on Sunday, he was standing there waiting for her. I’m willing to bet they haven’t stopped dancing yet. She taught me more about true love than anyone I have ever known…she exemplified it. If and when I ever marry, I will carry the memory of her love for her husband in my heart. They were the true romance, because they shared a true, undying, and selfless love for each other. I hope I am someday blessed to have the same in my life.
Ladybug, you were the most beautiful woman I have ever know, both inside and out. Thank you for every lesson you ever taught me, for every moment we shared. Caring for you before you went home was the greatest privilege of my life, being your granddaughter and carrying your name is the greatest honor I could ever hope for. My love for you will never die. You are forever the queen of my heart. I love you.
