Sunday, November 20, 2016

When 109 becomes 1 Again

I woke to the sound of rain and thunder this morning...first "real" rain since late Spring.  I prepared my coffee and stood on the back porch in the dark for a few minutes......enjoying the coolness of the air and the flashes of light screaming across the sky.

It was almost like the skies had something important to say about this day ahead.......


As I look at the new Christmas tree we put up today....a whole 144 hours before Thanksgiving....I see the red cardinals scattered throughout this new tree.....a tree that replaced the old Christmas tree which is now making its home at the bottom of Lake Cypress Springs so fresh crappy will have a place to live next year.  And I can't help but think about my cardinal-loving Mom and a Christmas this year without my Jewell.....my 109 year old Meals on Wheels friend.....family really......who, as of today.....this very day at around 10:45 am.... arrived Home.  She limped to the Finish Line after a very exhausting long run.  She was most assuredly met there by her handsome-Jimmy-Dean-Look-Alike husband Roger.....her Mom and her Dad who thought she hung the moon.....along with her grandpa- the-postman she loved dearly.....and hundreds...if not thousands....of family and friends who loved her from the deepest part of their souls.  What she didn't realize until 10:45 am this morning was that she made a difference.....a huge difference....on a lot of lives. 

She made a difference in my life.


In all the years I knew Jewell (June) Clay; in all the times she was asked how she was feeling or if she hurt anywhere.....her answer never changed: "I'm fine....I don't hurt at all.  I'm happy right where I am".  109 years old.....weeks away from being 110....and she was fine right where she was.


Three weeks ago, I was visiting her in her home and felt led to turn on my phone recorder...something I'd done many times before.  I asked her one question, "Would you want to be 16 again?"  She tilted her head as if to think about that for a moment and said, "I'm satisfied right where I am".

https://youtu.be/xDaCsmddFSc

I would venture to say Jewel knew she was close to the Finish Line....that she could see it ahead ...it was in-sight.  She might have even heard Roger encouraging her on....."Just a little further, Honey.....you're almost there....I'm waiting for you." 

Thank you Jewell....for slowing down and walking with me awhile on this earth.  
I am a better person from knowing you.  

Now go.....RUN to the party that is waiting for you.....your birthday number just started over......




35 comments:

Ellen Caldwell said...

Wow, truly amazing!

Robin's Nest said...

What a beautiful tribute...I LOVED LOVE LOVE the sparkle in her eyes!!!!!!

Dick and Bonnie said...

So sweet, Liz. She had the sweetest face I have ever seen. You could tell immediately upon meeting her that she WAS just fine where she was. I just love her polished fingernails and that wispy hair that was still wanting to look pretty. It worked as she was beautiful. God loves having her as the latest addition to His heavenly home. Thanks for letting us know her just a little bit.

Love, Bonnie

Unknown said...

So heart warming to read. Although I didn't know her, you paint a vivid picture. Praise God! She's home!

pattip said...

Liz, that is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Although I never heard of her until your post, I felt as if a special friend was leaving for the most special place. Thank you for posting.

Laurie Pace said...

Beautiful... as always my friend. Cardinals are my "totem' if you might say it that way. They are my guide birds in life. She was a beautiful woman with much to share and teach each of us. Be content right now in this moment with what God has given us.

Denise said...

This brought tears to my eyes Liz, made me think of my own sweet mom

Laurie Ramsay said...

Thank you, Liz, for sharing that beautiful tribute to your Jewel!!

Carolyn Galloway said...

Beautiful

Brenda said...

You my friend never cease to amaze me, touch me, inspire me with your precious, beautiful words! Reading them brought tears to my eyes and made me strive, in my life, to be more ike you and your dear friend!!! God definitely let you two cross paths! How blessed you both were and how blessed I am that you share your heartfelt thoughts! I love you and as Willie says, "You are always on my mind!"

Annette Rutherford said...

Beautiful friendship. Thank you for sharing this story.

Kristin Youngquist said...

So did you ask her "secret to living so long"? She sounds like a lovely woman. Sorry for your loss.

Patricia Pond said...

I think I wrote a reply on your blog but, in case it didn't take, thank you for posting this; it made me "smile with my heart."

Lulu said...

Wonderful I'm sure she was blessing to many. One reason why God left her here so long.

LeeAnn Sears said...

Beautiful.๐Ÿ˜˜

Have a blessed day!๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’•

Chris S. said...

Stop it, Liz! You’re making me cry!

Joy Stone said...

Thanks, Liz, you always give us a winner. Jewel was really a precious jewel, thank you for introducing us to her, what a joy.

Geana Jones said...

Very beautiful story!

Annette said...

May we all live life as well as she did!!

Donna said...

Beautifully sweet.

Nanci Zachery said...

Loved this. Must have been wonderful woman!

Lulu said...

Wonderful tribute I'm sure she will b missed. She had long wonderful life

Donya Barker said...

Sweet words, Liz.

Cathy Smith said...

Oh Liz , I have been so touched and impacted with these posts about Jewell , I wish I would have known her

Helen Myers said...

Lovely tribute, Liz.

Robin said...

I KNOW what a joy it is to have someone like her in your life and the complete joy it is to know she is HOME..it is such an honor to know such beautiful women...

Jackie C said...

Great tribute to your friend.

Israel said...

Only love can do that.

BettySue said...

What a sweet woman she must have been. The quilt in the casket is beautiful. God bless you Liz!

Betty Faber said...

Wow Liz what a tribute to a special lady. Got a lump in my throat just reading it. So thankful I get to read your blogs. They make my day. Thank you friend. Love your Christmas tree. I always have cardinals on my tree my favorite bird. I have had a red and white tree for several years now.

I am so blessed. Take care.

Betty

Brooke said...

Such a sweet memoir -- thank you for sharing friend. What a special lady - I know you will miss her. I'm sorry for your loss but so glad for all she added to your life and many others I'm sure. Love u

Julie said...

This is beautiful๐Ÿ’–

Kay Frazier said...

What a legacy ! I know she was a sweet lady!She is in such a better place!

Jack Wallace said...

Liz,

I want to tell you how much I miss you and Chuck and how much I miss your writing. Blessings and prayers be with you.



Grace and peace,



Jack

Chloanne said...

I really enjoyed Jewel and the Ramsey three. Thanks for sharing! Hope you and Chuck are well and not worrying about the rain.

Please give Chuck a hug for me, he's a very special man.

Love you,

Chloanne