My Avva went to be with Jesus this morning, after being admitted to the hospital yesterday for pneumonia.
Avva means "grandmother" in Kanada, but she was called that by all my friends growing up. She has a truly special place in my heart because she was the one who raised Roopa and me from the time I was 3 until I was 14 years-old. A day out with Avva meant a bus ride down to the Boulevard, an ice cream cone from Loard's and stickers from Hallmark. It didn't matter that she was new to the country or that she couldn't drive. She was more involved in our church and community than we were and had more friends than we could keep track of. I couldn't tell you how many times I heard, "Oh, you're Seetha's granddaughter!" She had a big smile for everyone and offered words of encouragement to anyone that needed them. When Avva said that she was praying for you, she really meant it. I remember finding her on her knees daily praying for everyone in need of it. She was not one to keep her faith to herself. She would even tell her doctors, "It's okay. I know my God is able to heal me."
I had plans to fly out next week to go see her (I hadn't seen her since our wedding 3 ½ years ago), but I was 1 week too late. Although I miss her painfully, it comforts me to think of her finally being with her Jesus whom she loved so much. Her body is now whole and she is able to run and sing. I picture her young and beautiful like she was when she got married. After 33 years apart, she and her husband will finally see each other again.
The big, loving arms of Jesus is the only place to which I would gladly entrust my precious Avva. God, help me to leave behind a legacy like my grandmother. I can't wait to see her smiling face again one day.
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