Grace Like an Avalanche: The Language of Love

Soon after I started dating my husband, his grandma came to visit from Argentina. Abuela America, or abuela Ica as we call her, embraced me from the moment I saw her. With hugs and kisses, and a slew of Spanish that I couldn't understand. Her rolling R's and thick Italian sounding Spanish was mixed with smiles and giggles as she touched my hair and held my hand. Her love was given to me from the moment I met her. She returned to the states a couple years later for our wedding. Again, she embraced me as her own grandchild and lovingly hugged and kissed me, and spoke endless Spanish to me that I couldn't understand! But there was one thing I could understand, this woman loved Jesus. I watched her pray, and worship in church. Her eyes often filled with tears as she went to the Father in fervent prayer. His glory and love was real and very important to her.

On my wedding day she prayed for my womb. She layed her hand on my belly and the rapid Spanish came out of her lips. She prayed for babies, more importantly she prayed for babies that would love Jesus. She loved her children, grand children, and great-grand children so very much. Even before she met my children she adored them. She prayed for their salvation before they were even conceived.

Her life and love was a true testament to what Gods love is all about. We never had a conversation in the same language. We had the most perfect relationship in my mind. We didn't know about each other's flaws, or personality quirks. We just simply had love for each other. We only knew each other through Gods love. The language that surpasses all understanding. The Love that binds hearts and connects people. The Love that forgives, saves, and conquers death.

She passed today to dwell in the presence of the Almighty and to recieve her complete healing.

Abuela Ica,

Thank you for always showing me Gods love. I may never have fully understood your words, but I understood the language of Heaven that spoke so loudly in your life. Jesus was the most important person in your life. Therefore you had endless love to give everyone around you. I see your love and passion in my daughters and I will never let them forget the legacy you gave them. Although you leave this world with a humble little home, second hand clothes in your closet, and a some pesos in the bank, you have left us with the greatest inheritance of all. Something more valuable than money and jewels. The Love of Jesus Christ. I am honored to be a part of your legacy and promise to never let it go. I am honored to be a part of your family.

We are happy that your body in no longer suffering, and that you are pain free and whole, but we will long to see you again in heaven one day. No doubt you and my grandma Nadine are worshipping at the feet of God together. Thank you for your Love that I always understood and heard so loud and clear. We love you, and miss you dearly.

We hold on to these photos even tighter today!

Abuela and I at my wedding, 2006