Ode to Great Gramma Lynn

Hello, Everybody!

Today, I am willing to take a break from the norm and dedicate this blog to someone very special—my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

It was exactly 29 years ago on this very day that my Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord. Though I never met her personally, I feel in my spirit like we were introduced years ago. If y’all remember, I had written a paper in my Grammar & Comp I class on about my Great Gramma Lynn, and I received an “A” on it. I’ve seen pictures of Great Gramma Lynn, and I could tell that she was just the most vibrant woman with a beautiful spirit.

My Gramma Jewel was witness to Great Gramma Lynn’s transition, and she recounts everything that happened on that fateful day. The following is an excerpt from Gramma Jewel’s memoirs:

It was very peaceful in Mama’s hospital room. I happened to glance out the window and see the clouds fill the afternoon Nashville sky. A bird landed on the window of Mama’s hospital room and tweeted its sweet song.

“I’m ready when You are, O Lord!” Mama called out, squeezing our hands as if she wanted us to guide her to the pearly gates.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I still had a smile on my face. Reesie tried in vain to fight back her tears, as she looked at Mama and said, “Give my love to Daddy when you get up there.”

“I will, Sweetheart,” Mama whispered. “And thank you for takin’ such good care of me. The Lord gon’ bless you real good for that.”

Mama then turned to me with a great big smile and said, “My sweet, stubborn little Delta Jewel—you are definitely your mama’s child. Continue sparklin’, Baby.”

And then she lightly bopped me on the top of my head. I just chuckled and said, “Thanks, Mama.”

I thought about the Bible verse that talks about the twinkling of an eye—that’s exactly how quick it was when Mama went home to Glory. She first mentioned something about a marvelous light, and then she closed her eyes. Once Mama took her last breath, Reesie and I nodded at each other.

“I think she made it home safely, Jewel,” Reesie said, trying not to break down.

“I know she did,” I replied as I closed my eyes and leaned into Clark’s hug.

When Clark, Reesie, and I left the hospital, we looked up at the cloudy sky and saw an image of Mama’s face—just more affirmation that Mama made it over.

That is such a beautiful story, and everytime I hear it, I get chills. I mean, to witness a transition from this life to life everlasting, and then to see Great Gramma Lynn’s likeness in the clouds—I’m very sure that Gramma Jewel, Grampa Clark, and Great Aunt Reesie will forever cherish such a poignant, peaceful memory.

There’s only one way to close this blog: Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live on in each and every one of us. As I mentioned once or twice, I’m sure that she’s up there in Heaven, with a great big smile on her face!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha