Remembering Grandma Mast

All 39 of us cousins were there as we stood to sing. It was special, but also teary — our dear grandma had passed on to her eternal home. How we rejoiced, despite our grief. Grandma Mast was a singing individual as she and Grandpa raised their five children. In family gatherings it is evident that the trait was passed on down the generations. I am touched when I see her great-grandchildren singing together as they play. Now in heaven, I can only imagine how she must be singing before the very throne of God.

We had arrived at the visitation while the Mast family was eating. My parents offered to go with the children and I, as we would then have ample time "with Grandma." My children listened soberly as I told them that this is now much more like Grandma looked when I was their age and would spend time with her at their house.

Grandma was one of those people that left deep prints in my life. In my early childhood years I loved going with Mom to spend the day at Grandma's, and on occasions I even got to spend the night with her and Grandpa. On one such opportunity she had made a nightgown for me as a surprise. Looking back I marvel how she always had time for me. She would sit down and play a game of memory with me and when I was ready to wash the dishes after a meal, she would say, "No, you are on vacation!" Never did I feel belittled or less than ideal by the way she treated me; her words of life brought many a smile to my face, and most of all, she believed in me.

Now as I wept over her it just didn't feel right to think of not having her anymore. The thought of a graveside seemed cruel. That is when the words were softly spoken to my heart, "She is not there, she is here." I was comforted, the reality went deep; she is with her Maker, all I need to do is to continue to serve Him. Not only will I see her one day in heaven, but in the meanwhile I can pass on the genuine love that Grandma had for me that gave me another picture of God's love for me.

A week prior, when my mother received a message that her mom was about to come to the close of her days, she immediately left for Ohio where she joined her two sisters by Grandma's bedside. They took it as a privilege to care for their mother through these intense times. At all times someone was next to Grandma as they talked, sang, and prayed.

I knew it would not be possible for me to go to be with her, so I gave Mom a message to pass on to her. At this point she was unresponsive. A monitor to track her heart rate was the only way they could tell when she heard what was being said. I was delighted when Aunt Rhoda told me that Grandma's heart rate went up when they gave the message that I loved her and she was special to me. Grandma knew that already, but somehow it was precious to know she heard. She doted over me as her oldest granddaughter, and yes, in her final lap of her earthly journey, it felt good to know that I could give her a message of my love in return.

When the time came to gather at the graveyard our hearts were at rest, a number of us grandchildren took turns gently covering the grave. We sang several songs which Grandma had asked to be sung at her graveside, including her old time favorite, "There Is a Happy Land."

I traveled home with my six children that night. In a way it didn't seem right to go on in life without her. Then I kept thinking of the Lord's love that He pours into our lives. In turn we get to pass it on to others — like Grandma, drop our work, to look someone in the eye and show the value they have. Even the apparently unlovable are waiting for someone to accept them just the way they are. The week of the funeral I got to spend a few days with my family including 23 nieces and nephews. The memories of my girlhood days with Grandma were so fresh, it motivated me to love on other little ones I was surrounded with. No, I'm not Grandma, and I could never take the place of my dear mother who dotes over her grandchildren, I'll just love with my Auntie love. And once I'm caught up on my sleep I'll be filling you in on the events of our family gathering in an Airbnb large enough to comfortably host all of us.

For tonight we'll be wrapping up with a recipe Grandma was known for in the years she was her energetic, confident self before dementia set in. With apples in season, if you can, be sure to give it a try!

DANISH APPLE BARS

Dough:

· 3 c. flour

· 1 tsp. salt

· 1 c. Crisco

· 1 egg yolk

· 2/3 c. milk

Filling:

· 7 c. shredded apples

· 1 c. crushed cornflakes

· 1 t. cinnamon

· 1 cup sugar

· 1 egg white, beaten stiff

Glaze:

· 1 cup powdered sugar

· 1 teas vanilla

· 3 tablespoons water

Mix together flour and salt. Cut in shortening. Beat egg yolk and milk together, mix and add to flour mixture. Divide dough in half. Roll thin. Put in 10" x 15" pan. Sprinkle with cornflakes and apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar. Roll out other half of dough and cover apples. Brush egg white over crust. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top. Bake at 375° until golden brown. Spread with glaze while still warm. Cut into squares and enjoy.