Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Angels are Coming


My grandma, Ethel Schmid (Mimi), was one of a kind. Probably because God knew that people just wouldn't know what to do with more than one of her. She was sassy, outspoken, feisty, and owned a whopping sense of humor. She was a faithful example of a true servant. Her hands prepared marvelous meals, her feet hastened to help others, she offered words of encouragement, and spoke her mind in a way that made you sit up straight when you were around her. Mimi never sugarcoated, she always told you what you knew but maybe didn't want to hear. She wasn't always the easiest person to get along with, she didn't always have patience, but she was always quick to make things right. 

If it couldn't be done perfectly by Mimi, it couldn't be done at all by anybody. She was a true artist, and took pride in doing things the right way. Three hours of every morning were dedicated to applying makeup, fixing hair, and picking out an outfit. Yet, I have never seen her look so beautiful as when she lay there at the end of her life, full of peace, waiting for the angels to come take her away. She will be forever remembered by friends and family, and probably by that nice restaurant where she sent the food back a billion times. She was a person you just don't forget. 

In the last weeks of her life, she was a witness to all those around her of God's love and grace. She told the gospel straight to her nurse, asking her if Jesus was her Savior. When the nurse replied, "sometimes," Mimi fired right back, "get with the program." She told us over and over, "I have such peace," and her hand would reach out for yours. She was hesitant to take the morphine that would make her passing easier. When the doctor questioned her, she quietly explained, "I want to see the angels come." I have no doubt that she did. Heaven is rejoicing, and she is home at last.

We love you Mimi, and we miss you.


6 comments:

  1. Nice post. Nice G'ma.

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  2. amazing!!! and so right on!
    Love Quinn

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  3. Oh Anna, what a perfect picture you painted of your Mimi. I am so sorry for the loss of such a precious part of your family, but also so joyful that you all had her...and through you, I got to have her too! Thank you and your family for always sharing your selves with me all these years. I love you all so much and am holding you in my heart!

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  4. Anna....I didn't know you had a blog. What a nice gift this writing is.....you described your Mimi and my Aunt Ethel PERFECTLY.....Shari

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  5. Anna, You don't know me. I am Beth Keen Carlton's Mother in law. I had the pleasure of meeting and being with Aunt Ethel(as I call her) a few times through the years and how blessed I am just to know her. Your words are such a tribute to her and I think she would absolutely love reading them. Always know that with Jesus in your heart you will see her again one day. Debbie Carlton

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  6. Thank you everyone, she was a lovely, lovely lady and we miss her very much.

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