There are so many things (SO many!) to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. Sometimes it even overwhelms me a little bit just to think how very blessed I am. From the little things like having a wonderful boss and getting along SO well with every single one of my co-workers, being able to have Mondays and Fridays off so I have lots of time for baking and being in my kitchen, having such a great relationship with so many other amazing food bloggers, and the beautiful color of the trees and leaves; to the big things like having the most amazing, supportive, understanding and giving husband- that is something that should never ever be taken for granted, being able to talk to my mom every day on the phone and see my parents often, my sister and her sweet family and all the rest of my wonderful family, a sweet, funny and affectionate little dog who has brought so much joy to our lives, a house that’s always warm and inviting, and secure jobs for Joel and me…to name a very few.
But most importantly, the thing I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season….the life of my great-grandmother, Leila Hazlett (Baba). I just wrote about her 100th birthday last month- it was a time of joy and celebration, and Baba got to see her entire family and be near them. We all got to spend the afternoon with her laughing, crying, sharing stories and simply being together. I think it was what Baba had been waiting for for a long time. I thank God for that afternoon….it was the last time I got to see Baba. She passed away this weekend. Which brings me to reason I’m so very thankful- Baba is in a place where she doesn’t need a wheelchair; she can run, jump and sing with a heavenly choir, she has no pain, she can taste good food again and walk down streets of gold. After over 20 years of being a widow, she can finally run into her husband’s arms and sit and talk with him every single day…for eternity. But most importantly- Baba is with our Lord. She’s finally in Heaven. Praise God! PRAISE GOD!
So, this Thanksgiving, I am so very, very thankful that our Baba is finally right where she’s wanted to be for a very long time, looking down on us. Happy Thanksgiving, Baba. I love you so much and will always and forever remember what you have given me.
Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you all!
what a beautiful post! Praise God!
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Comment by Natalie — November 23, 2010 @ 9:54 AM
I’m so sorry for your loss, girl, but of course, it’s wonderful to know when our loved ones are no longer suffering and they are in Heaven with God. 🙂
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Comment by Amy @ The Nifty Foodie — November 23, 2010 @ 9:55 AM
What a wonderful post!
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Comment by Leah — November 23, 2010 @ 10:01 AM
I read this and cried. I know Baba is watching over you and smiling so proudly. God Bless the family and I Love you all very much.
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Comment by Alyshia — November 23, 2010 @ 10:02 AM
Glorious. What a smile your Baba has and what a magnificent life she lived! While I’m sure y’all will miss her and are sad, we know there is no room for sorrow in the going home of folks like Baba. Praying for you and your family, Amy.
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Comment by Chris — November 23, 2010 @ 10:04 AM
Hugs! Gorgeous post!
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Comment by Nicole, RD — November 23, 2010 @ 10:13 AM
Beautiful post; it brought tears to my eyes. Praise God, indeed! Blessings to you.
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Comment by Cheryl Newton — November 23, 2010 @ 10:15 AM
That was beautiful and so lovingly written. I’m sorry for your loss. It sounds like Baba had a long and wonderful life. Now she’s an angel to watch over you 🙂 Hugs and God bless!!!
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Comment by Amy Brown — November 23, 2010 @ 10:40 AM
Amy, this post brings tears to my eyes. I can tell just how much you love your dear Baba. My great-grandmother, my sweet Mammo Octa, passed away shortly after her 100th birthday, as well. It think it was a goal of hers to make it to 100. I think it was her last goal in life. It sounds like your Baba had the same goal.
You are so right about her once again being pain-free, happy, and healthy. God is providing for her in ways she never knew possible here on Earth. She is with her husband and all her loved ones in heaven looking down on her loved ones still on Earth. Thank God for that!
Love and prayers to you and your family.
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Comment by Kelsey — November 23, 2010 @ 10:57 AM
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you are well. This is very touching.
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Comment by Marjorie — November 23, 2010 @ 11:03 AM
I know it’s never easy to lose a loved one, but I’m happy that you are able to think back to the wonderful day you just spent with her and all the times before that. Lots of hugs to you, Amy.
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Comment by Courtney — November 23, 2010 @ 11:07 AM
This is precious and a wonderful testament to Baba’s (and your!) life! What a wonderful feast she is having 🙂
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Comment by Alisha — November 23, 2010 @ 11:19 AM
What a wonderful post. I was JUST thinking of my grandmother who passed away now 7 years ago. Family is SO important around this time and it is hard when you cannot be with them. Thank you for sharing and I am so sorry for your loss.
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Comment by Noelle — November 23, 2010 @ 11:22 AM
While it is so hard to let go of people that we love, it is wonderful to know that we will see them again! Wonderful tribute to Baba!
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Comment by Cara — November 23, 2010 @ 12:10 PM
I am so sorry for your loss Amy. This is a lovely tribute to your Baba. I am sure she is incredibly proud of you and the person that you are. ((hugs))
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Comment by Melissa @ Made in Melissa's Kitchen — November 23, 2010 @ 12:30 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Amy!! God Bless your family!!!And God Bless your Baba!!!Amen
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Comment by Abbi — November 23, 2010 @ 1:01 PM
Happy Thanksgiving Amy — I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman and lived a full life!
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Comment by Jen — November 23, 2010 @ 2:23 PM
Thank you for this post, Amy. I’m dealing with a sick grandmother, as well right now (she is also a Christian), and your post reminded me of how happy a day it will be when she is no longer here suffering!
Sorry for your loss, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Emily
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Comment by Emily — November 23, 2010 @ 3:37 PM
I can’t put into words how sweet this is. I have enormous gratitude that you and Lindsay were able to have her in your lives for so long. She was so proud of you.
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Comment by Mother — November 23, 2010 @ 4:55 PM
You are a great tribute to your Baba, she will live on through you and your heart.
Your talking about her no longer being in a wheelchair reminded me of when my mother died at age 84. She had broken her arm a month before she died, a result of a fall that I believe was the result of a stroke. Stomach cancer was quickly diagnosed and she died within a month of the fall. She wasn’t very cognitive that last month but the night she died, I saw her while I was asleep. She was standing there swinging her arm all around and saying, “Look, it doesn’t hurt any more!” There were other loved ones around her but I couldn’t remember who they were…it gave me amazing peace in her passing. It sounds like you are blessed with that same peace…and for you, I’m grateful for that.
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Comment by LaJuana — November 23, 2010 @ 5:43 PM
So sorry for your loss Amy. But happy for all the good memories you have.
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Comment by Paula (Salad in a Jar) — November 23, 2010 @ 6:37 PM
I can’t thank you enough for putting into words what we are all feeling. This truly is a blessing, and your words truly reflect what she believed and lived by. I’m grateful you and Lindsay grew up near her, and knew her so well. You are a tribute to her, and a blessing to her family. We love you, Nana and Grandaddy
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Comment by Nana & Grandaddy — November 23, 2010 @ 7:12 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, but this a wonderful post to remember her.
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Comment by The Mess Pot — November 23, 2010 @ 7:13 PM
That was such a sweet post. So sorry to hear about the loss of your great-grandmother. No matter how prepared we are ‘supposed’ to be for these things, it’s never easy. It’s no less painful. I lost my grandma this year and I incredibly miss her. But you can be thankful for the fabulous genes that run in you family. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Comment by Trish — November 23, 2010 @ 8:35 PM
Amy, I lost my sweet MeeMee this year. That all reminds me sooo much of her!! She taught me so many things about housekeeping. I even have that same green American Woman Cook Book…and I use it! I am so sorry for your loss, I know Baba was a very IMPORTANT part of your family!!! She had to be so proud of you and your sister!! Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Love ya, Sherri
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amy Reply:
November 23rd, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Thank you ALL for your sweet, uplifting comments. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, caring readers!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy
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Comment by Sherri F — November 23, 2010 @ 9:10 PM
What an absolutely beautiful post. Anything more would ruin the beauty of its simplicity. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
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Comment by Nuts about Food — November 24, 2010 @ 7:03 AM
So much love in this post. Sounds like she had an amazing life!
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Comment by Barbara Bakes — November 24, 2010 @ 8:35 AM
So sorry to hear about your great grandmother. I’m glad you have some really nice memories to remind you of her.
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Comment by michelle — November 24, 2010 @ 3:31 PM
My condolences. But I too believe she must be in a better place, the Lord rewards us for our deeds and it sounds like she was a fantastic woman. You were very lucky to have had her in your life for as long as you did!
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Comment by Karina — November 25, 2010 @ 10:27 PM
You were indeed lucky to have a Great Grandmother this long in your life. Many are not so lucky. I only knew my Great Grands for a short period in my younger life. Remember Baba with sweet memories. I know you were a joy in her life too.
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Comment by Jean — November 26, 2010 @ 11:00 AM
So sorry for your loss, I know what it’s like losing a family member during the holidays. But it seems like she was so loved and is most definitely looking down on all of you!
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Comment by Amanda L. — November 26, 2010 @ 6:53 PM
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. How blessed all are who knew her. She has received her greatest reward for all eternity and left you with loving memories to cherish. We give thanks along with you. Our Love, Uncle Tommy and Aunt Maryolyn
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Comment by Aunt Maryolyn — December 7, 2010 @ 9:18 AM