Meema Housch

A week ago tomorrow we were sitting in church when Jason saw a phone call from his sister.  

Not a typical time to receive calls, we knew he needed to go out and find out if there was something wrong.  He motioned for me to come out and, with tears in his eyes, told me that his 

Meema was struggling to breath.

 Caroline & Meema

We immediately got the kids from their classes and headed home so that Jason could get to Jasper.  Jenn was almost there and Yvonne was traveling from St. Simons in hopes to see her mother.  Meema struggled with Alzheimers for many years and at almost 95 years old, her body was finally giving her rest.  

Jason texted me at one point to give me an update and told me that when he was alone with Meema he held her hand and prayed that the Lord would take her easily and quickly and to help her body let go.  Such a difficult thing for a grandson to request but yet such an honor to be with her during those last moments of her life, praying for her body to give her the rest and peace she needed.

The events that followed were difficult at best as we had a very large snowstorm come through the area later that evening.  Yvonne ended up spending the night at the funeral home because she couldn't get to their home in the mountains of Jasper.  Jason and I agonized for his parents as we knew it was so difficult to be a part and, of all things, to spend the night in a funeral home on the eve of her Mother's passing.

 Jason & Jenn, Caroline, Yvonne & Meema

The next day a big truck was able to get Yvonne home safely and the week of planning amidst all the snow and ice began.

 Yvonne introducing her first grandchild to her Mother.

Yesterday we were given the opportunity to honor Meema and spend time with family reminiscing.  The service was beautiful but there is nothing like the memories and eyes of granchildren to show the true character and love a person possessed in their lifetime.  Jason and his cousin Michelle spoke at the Memorial and their memories gave light to the love their grandmother held for her husband, her children and her grandchildren.

 Meema's great-granchildren minus Mary Anna & Mason who were not born yet.

Jason and I have now buried five of our grandparents and the passing of time doesn't make it any easier.  Our lives were fuller and richer because of the experiences held and memories made with each of our grandparents.  The heritage and legacy they leave for us and our children overwhelms us with pride and honor for what we possess in our lineage.

 Meema's 90th Birthday.

A trip down memory lane.... 

The caption on this file is 'Dorothy & Doster'.  

 1942

 I think this is my favorite one of Meema.  :)

 This one is pretty cute too.

From the Cave Spring UMC bulletin in 1984: In the Spotlight

Dorothy Housch

Often so quiet that you are unaware of her, Dorothy represents the best in all of us; able and ready, serving and steady.

She's there: in the choir lending her voice, in the Sunday School class counting the money, tending the nursery, bringing the flowers and going to meetings that sometimes take hours.

Meeting with "FISH" (Bible Study) or helping fry it for a gathering at the Hilt'n, you'll find Dorothy.  Cornbread, souffle or casserole, pies or cakes, Dorothy's one cook who has what it takes.  Her participation and support helps to make our meetin' and eating' successful.  A Grey Lady once, she now adds her expertise to the United Methodist Women's Organization where her program leadership is outstanding.  She has held offices there, doing a fine job of each.

Serving on committees, which is not new to her, helps fill her hours.  At present she is on the Pastor-Parish committee and serves as its point of contact with the congregation and with the pastor when he is away.

Soft spoken and friendly, her visits and ministrations to the ill in the congregation are most welcome, yet she finds time to nurture her own family members.  Dorothy often has her grandchildren around her and sets for them an example of service to the church.

The Housch Hilt'n is often open to the congregation for enjoyable gatherings which are made so in a large part because of Dorothy, who has a gift of hospitality. 

The next time you see Dorothy, tell her how much you appreciate her!!

I cannot close this post without giving a moment to acknowledge Jason's mother, Yvonne, for the many years of tender and loving care she gave to her mother.  Through years of not being recognized but still graciously loving and caring for the woman who loved and cared for her as a child, Yvonne tended her every need.  She became her advocate, her protector and her guardian.  

For Jason and I, Yvonne's dedication and love has given us an example of selfless and true love.  The kind of love we want to give through the years.  Her dedication and committment has been beautiful to watch and learn from and a kind of love that we will strive to teach our children.