Happy 102nd Birthday, Grandma Jenny!

Although we are so excited about bringing our little JennaBeth Song home sometime soon, there's a bit of sadness in our situation, as well. JennaBeth will not meet her namesake, my precious Grandma Jenny, until we are together in Heaven. But we will certainly make sure that JennaBeth knows all about her precious Great Grandmother and why she was named after Grandma Jenny. And somehow...I truly believe that Grandma Jenny is fully aware that she has a great granddaughter here on Earth whose name is in honor of her.

Today is Grandma Jenny's 102nd birthday. She went to Heaven a little over ten years ago but I am sure she is celebrating her birthday incredibly well! I wish we could see her, hug her and talk with her once more. But a part of her is always with us and lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I also believe that her life is so much better in Heaven that she would not want to return to earth...but is waiting for us to join her someday. Her precious son, my Uncle Jimmy, joined her on January 23 of this year. So I know he is celebrating with her, too.

While we wait to be with her again, I am so thankful for the time we had with her here. Grandma Jenny was a genuine personification of the word love! She loved genuinely, unconditionally, generously and joyfully. She loved family, friends, neighbors...and yes...even "strangers." Grandma didn't just say she loved others. She lived it! She had faith that was strong and authentic. She didn't have many worldly possessions yet she was very rich in heart, spirit, mind and faith. And she gave so generously to others on so many levels. She cared. She shared. She lived what she claimed. She had an incredible relationship with her Lord. Anyone who knew her, met her or spent time with her soon realized this lady was an amazing blessing to all those around her. Her love was so great....and her kindness was so contagious, that the majority of the town in which she lived...called her "Grandma Jenny." She didn't own a car...but her love traveled far and knew no boundaries. She didn't own her house...but everyone felt welcome...and at home...the moment they entered there. She didn't have a college education...but she was very intelligent...and wise. She was tender...and strong. She stood for what was right no matter what. She cared about each detail of our lives...and protected us without hesitation.

So it is an honor and a privilege to carry on her name in our little daughter's life. There will only be one Grandma Jenny...but her love will undoubtedly carry on for many generations to come. Happy Birthday, Grandma Jenny! I love you so much and am so grateful to be your granddaughter. I will see you again soon. Meanwhile, enjoy Heaven and hug all our loved ones there for me...while I miss you and try to share you in my life here. You will never be forgotten.

JennaBeth, I can hardly wait to tell you all about your grandparents...including your Grandma Jenny. May you know her love and share it...just as she did.

Cherishing my Grandmother Jenny today and always,
Terri & Family