My great-grandma Vaughn passed away this week. I received the call late Tuesday night here in India. Even knowing she has been in a rapid decline since my coming, it was the last phone-call I was prepared to get. More difficult are my attempts to fathom that she is no longer here. I wasn’t able to tell her goodbye and won’t even make it to the gravesite for another month.
For as long as I can remember, Grandma Vaughn has always been right there with me. Living only two houses down the block from my family, I can’t remember a time I wasn’t popping in to see her. Shawn and I spent afternoon’s playing in her living room, snacking in her kitchen, and no matter the season, there was an adventure to be had in her front yard.
There were things that only grandma could do. No matter the hour, if my tooth was loose, it was off to Grandma’s house to have her pull it with that magic touch. If we weren’t in town, that tooth didn’t budge until we were home again. Only she could make chili worth eating and watching soap operas a fond memory. Cookies never tasted better than when coming out of her cookie jar.
Whether sitting in the living room or on the front porch, I was at peace having her rocking away while we shared the stories of our days. I know I speak for all of the Vaughn family when I say a holiday would have never been the same without her presence. While the rest of us split time between other commitments and plans, we could always count on Grandma attending, no matter the location or time. Even better, she came bearing more than enough hugs and kisses for us all. I trust her love will continue there with us always.
While I was lucky enough to live the closest to Grandma Vaughn, I am confident in saying that our whole family saw her home as an extension of their own. Our visits with her were frequent, but of course, never enough. She was an amazing, God-fearing, selfless, gentle and loving woman. I hope as I grow older I can reflect her grace. Grandma Vaughn will be missed and remembered by so many, but I am grateful that my prayers for her peace and the end of her pain were answered and she is now home. I know I’ll be glad to join her again on the other side someday.
