the epitome of grace

 this entry is a dedication to my beautiful grandma, Vivian Marie Watkins Keeton, who left this world to spend eternity with God last Tuesday, April 12.  it is, of course, impossible to say in words just how wonderful she was.  the memories i will carry with me forever of her are a hodge-podge collection of smells, tastes, events, and feelings.  

included among them are:

-her sweet southern accent.  i can hear as clearly as if she's in the next room how she would draw out my dad's one-syllable name to at least three syllables when leaving messages on the answering machine.  

-her love of God's green earth - the mountains, the beach, flowers and plants of every kind, and birds- especially hummingbirds.  

-her love of family.  she was never happier than when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  this love was often expressed by the amazing food she would spend hours preparing for us...country ham, fried chicken, sausage biscuits, pot roast (keetons are not vegetarians!)

-she was a true "steel magnolia" - (according to urban dictionary, "a southern woman who is strong and independent but still very feminine").  whenever i am at her house and see the giant magnolia tree in the backyard, i will think of her - tall, strong, and beautiful.  she was such a lady - always dressed to impress, with jewelry, makeup, and matching shoes.  she always wore an apron to cook so as not to ruin whatever she was wearing (not sure i've ever worn an apron to cook?!).  i remember many shopping trips to the mall, shampoos in the kitchen sink, and nail painting extravaganzas.

i already inherited her middle name, but if i could hope to have inherited any of grandma's wonderful qualities, i would dare to wish...
-to be as  generous in spirit and as caring as she was...for all plants, animals, and people.
-for the love she shared with my granddad for 67 years.
-for just one ounce of her talent in the garden and the kitchen.

grandma vivian, you are missed more than words can say.  how blessed am i to have called you mine for 29 years, and to have a grandma it is so hard to say goodbye to.  
love and mooches, caitlin

Blessed be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; 

the fellowship of kindred minds is like that to that above.