All saint’s day

When my grandmother passed in 2020, I was devastated. She was everything I look up to in a woman. She was a true lady, through and through—beautiful and gentle, kind and self-possessed, humble and radiant. Most of all, she was brave.

She lived through the Great Depression and the death of her son, Dale. Along with my grandfather, she created a home for my mom and aunt and uncle along with countless foster children, foreign exchange students, and teen mothers who had been cast out by their families. She loved all people and all cultures, but especially the poor, neglected, and oppressed. 

She worked as a school nurse when it wasn’t the norm for women to work outside the home. She served a school in a small mill town, and she doubled as the town’s only unofficial social worker. She identified the impoverished and struggling families of the schoolchildren she served, making baskets of food and other essentials to bring with her on house calls. My grandmother had a rare gift for doing charity without causing shame. 

She was an avid artist and lover of books. She knew the importance of literacy and education, and she was instrumental in building the first public library in her small town. She heralded from a long line of strong women who traveled, held careers, and led overall inspiring lives. 

What I remember most was her kindness and gentleness; the way she smiled with her eyes and surprised us with her quick wit. Her love of Scotch and a good book, sitting in front of the fireplace. The selfless way she took care of all those around her, but always found time to care for herself and find peace. 

She is who I am remembering today, on the Feast of All Saints, when we are called to hold in our hearts the memory of those we loved who have departed from this world. This beautiful holiday is sometimes overshadowed by its eve, which has been secularized and celebrated as Halloween—All Hallow’s (Saint’s) Eve—but as Christians, we can enjoy the spooky parties and trick-or-treating while still honoring the day we are mindful of those who have gone before us.