My Two Special Angels

My grandmothers have been two of the most influential people in my life, with the exception of my parents. They were Granny Powell and Granny Lockhart. They were related only by the marriage of their children, my parents. Most unusual of all was the fact that they were the dearest of friends, and I was fortunate enough to have been raised near them for nearly 13 years of my life. They would sit together in the late evening, as the sun would dip slowly into the western sky. They both dipped snuff, and tried to solve the world's problems, as well as the length of my mini-skirts.

Granny Powell was very small of stature, barely five feet tall. She was sweet and gentle, but you could see strength and determination in those light baby blue eyes. I would sit for hours listening to stories of my ancestors, as well as the adventures of her youth. It was hard to believe that this little woman had raised eleven children.

Time with Granny Powell was always good; she had a special way of making you feel as if you were the only one room. She made me feel safe and warm within. I know that her life had not been easy, but she possessed a strength that I very much wanted for myself.

When night would come, I would quietly tip-toe into her room. Every night she would kneel reverently beside her bed; in a soft, humble whisper she would pray the most beautiful, sincere prayers I've ever heard. Throughout her life, her faith had sustained and kept her, a lesson I have never forgotten.

A few months after her death, I had a dream. In this dream, my Granny appeared beside my bed. At first, I was frightened, but when she spoke, it was with warm reassurance and love.

That was my first realization that angels really do exist, and that I know one personally. I believe that this was her way of letting me know that I would never be alone, and that she would be my guardian angel.

Granny Lockhart was tall and straight and had an air of wisdom and strength. Her green eyes could pierce right through you, especially if you didn't walk the line, yet she knew how to laugh and share her humor. From our time together, I learned that she had married when she was barely 16 years old. After her marriage, she raised five children, became a good financial manager, an immaculate housekeeper, and a lover of good music. Because of her love for music and her talent as a pianist, she instilled that love in me, and she actually bought my very first piano.

Granny Lockhart had a very deep but private faith in God. She was a Christian, but never took Communion, because she felt unworthy. Her prayer time was private, but I could see how her faith sustained her. She was generous and compassionate, traits I so admire.

Several years later, when Granny Lockhart passed away, I can remember it was near Christmas and I had married and was expecting my son. When I heard the news, I couldn't seem to accept it; it didn't seem real. I wasn't able to cry or mourn like with my other Granny. This continued to disturb me and make me feel uneasy.

One night, months after my son's birth, I had another dream. In this dream, Granny appeared to me. She was happy, smiling, and full of humor and goodwill. Later, the next day, for the first time, I was able to release that emotion: to cry, grieve, and be happy all at the same time. Her visit gave me closure.

From these beautiful experiences I realized the significance of believing in a God who wants us to live our lives so fully, so that not one moment should be wasted. I believe that God expects us to share with others the experiences that we have enjoyed with our loved ones, so that others can grow and experience this kind of love.

I am so thankful that we believe in a God who teaches us about life after death and reminds us that death is not the end for a Christian, but only the beginning. I am especially thankful for my "two special angels" and their enduring influence on my life.

Bobbie J. Mitchell