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My great-grandmother, Lela, passed away this year at 106 years old. Everyone who knew her spoke of her grace, strength, faith, and how she carried herself with dignity, whatever her circumstance. Lela outlived all four of her children and two husbands. Her first husband died when he was 29 years old. She raised her children on her own and did not remarry until her last child was out of the house. Her youngest son died of scarlet fever at age 10.
She was a hard worker and taught herself to type after her first husband died, and she worked as a court reporter until she retired. Those who knew her best, said you would have never known all the trials she faced, and although they thought she had to be in pain - they said she never complained - never. Her second husband passed away over 30 years ago. She lived on her own, until the day she died. She renewed her driver's license at age 104. She was a remarkable woman.
She was a private person and did not talk about herself often. She did not have many possessions and didn't keep most anything. However, going through her things, after she had passed away, the poem below was found in her drawer, yellow and worn. She was a woman of faith and I think it's worth sharing that after 106 years on this earth, this poem was one of her few possessions - and might give a little insight into how she lived her life and the legacy that carries with it.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
- Tara Godard
- Tara Godard
