Grandma Caines 1913 - 2010

11/30/10…Her skin became old and her hair gray…hunched over she became. Her eyesight failed and her flexibility became taut. I wonder to myself…isn’t this a picture of a root? Because a root is not very pretty nor is it very flexible. But a root is strong and the sinews of a root are deeply embedded in the ground. In fact, out of this old root sprang forth a marvelous myrtle tree, one which many of us climbed on.

And the root stayed put all those years never learning how to drive. From it sprang forth a family with its members spreading everywhere. Year after year went by and still the root stayed put. When the myrtle branches became broke or damaged by the storms, sometimes by our own doing, the root patiently waited as our branches grew back. Every year we were reminded where home truly is. Every year we were reminded of the importance of family and the joy in living life simply.

            For there is hope for a tree,

            If it is cut down, that it will sprout again,

            And that its tender shoots will not cease.

            Though its roots may grow old in the earth;

            And its stump may die in the ground,

            Yet at the scent of water it will bud

            And bring forth branches like a plant. Job 14: 7-8

This is the prayer for our family. As our root is now in heaven, the danger of the myrtle tree being cut down is possible. However, for now our family puts this thought to the side. What we rejoice in and look forward to is the day when we see our root in all the full radiant beauty of her youth. In fact, no longer we will see her as a root…as our Mom, Grandma, or Great Grandma. Instead we will see her as a breathtaking woman reveling in the glory, and the splendor, of the marvelous light…