We'll miss you, Grandma

Well, it's been a whirlwind. Last Thursday we learned that Grandma had pancreatic cancer. Prior to this, she had been relatively healthy, was able to live independently, drive, etc. At first we were told 3-6 months to live, then more like a month, and then more like a matter of weeks. She passed away last night at 6:00. For her sake, I am glad it went quickly so she didn't have to suffer or have pain. She did not fear death and was ready to go to heaven to be with Jesus.

Grandma has been through a lot in her life. From losing one son to cancer back in the 70's, to having another son with Down syndrome and then losing him in the 90's to heart complications, to more recent years of watching her husband of 67 years drift away from her with Alzheimer's disease, to now facing her own cancer. But through everything she showed enormous strength and her faith never wavered.

I loved my grandma dearly and have so many wonderful memories with her. For instance, when I was a kid, I used to go to her house on Saturdays when Mom and Dad were working at auctions. She would teach me to play Panic and Rook when I was barely old enough to hold up cards. We would play cards until Grandpa came home and then he would take off his hat and boots and play with us. She never tired of playing cards to this day.

As I got older, I began to realize what a cheerleader my grandmother was for me (and for all of us for that matter). I could have said, “Grandma, I think I’m going to try to grow another toe." And she would have said ‘Oh, that’s wonderful!’. She put her full support behind whatever we decided to do, and was a prayer warrior for all of us. Especially since I have lived far away from family, she has been a pillar of support for me. We called each other often and she enjoyed keeping me up on all the news from home! She would say, "So glad we have family like you to visit with and encourage one another". I talked to her the morning she passed away, and even then she told me she was praying for me. On her death bed she was still lifting up her family in prayer! What an amazing woman.

Elizabeth Suzie Nisly

April 19, 1921 - July 9, 2008

At our wedding, instead of tossing the bouquet, I gave a bouquet of tulips to the couple at our wedding who had been married the longest, which of course was my grandparents. I admire their marriage so much. This October would have been 68 years! They truly loved each other.

Christmas 2007 - Grandma sitting with my very pregant at the time sister

at Grandma and Grandpa's auction last July
No matter what, she always stood by her man.

We love you, Grandma, and we'll miss you more than words can express.