Calm and Quiet

Read Psalm 131



On March 16, 2010 Geneva Blount Rouse told her beloved daughter - Ghussan Rouse Greene she was tired. She wanted the daughter, who held her deep within to let go, and allow God to carry her from earth to heaven. Within three days "Granny Rouse" open her eyes, took her last breath, closed her eyes and flew away.

A loving woman born in Robeson County, North Carolina with eight siblings. Granny Rouse was best known for loving Uncle Jesse and Aunt Ghussan (Auntie G). Jesse preceded her in death. It was more of a blessing for him, then for her heart, but that is another story. The story of her home going features Auntie G and her husband Uncle G (George Greene).

Granny Rouse moved in with Auntie G and Uncle G six years before she died. It was the blessing of a lifetime for our grandmother. Really! Auntie G and Uncle G are superstars in care giving to the elderly. When it came to the care of Granny Rouse, they did it right!

Granny Rouse had a terrible fall, which she never fully recovered from. Our aunt and uncle never failed in caring for her. They provided angelic care, which included precious home attendants. Applauds! She was so excited about being with them. She never mentioned it to me, but I knew there was no way she was going to do the nursing home or assisted living business. It is good for some, for sure, but there was nothing better then being at home and maintaining a dignity of life for Granny Rouse. So, before her health went completely down, she was safe at home with family and home attendants, who became as family.

Over thirty four years in ministry, including clinical training as a therapist, I grieve in the "calm and quiet." I was encouraged by Granny Rouse to master the art of calm and quiet grief processing. She once told me at the death of my parents: "If you are crying now, Boy, you will not be able to do my funeral." There was always a known sense of my deep love for her. Perhaps matching her deep love for people. Everyone, who came to know Geneva Rouse, could feel comfortable and loved. My Mother had a chorus of asking from time to time: "Does Granny Rouse know that I am your Mother, she thinks you love her more than me." I would chuckle, because she also said with mutual love: "Granny Rouse is my best friend."

Granny Rouse had away of bringing you into her best, and allowing your best to be given to her. Because of her best ways and means, the best of my grief processing has come in the form of what I call a "level headed ministry." A level head is necessary to comprehend the full experience of a life lived. In the midst of the calm and quiet Auntie G informed me: "Well, she is gone". I heard an immediate inner voice saying - "wipe your tears and live."

I desire Auntie G and Uncle G to wipe their tears and live. They gave so much of themselves through the years. Now it changes. Much of their life style will change. The Perspectives on their responsibilities will change. The voice asking for fish and other items of a delicious meal will no longer be heard. Change.

One of the changes that would be helpful is the change of communication with Auntie G and Uncle G. I pray our family members will be cognizant of what has changed for our beloved, and shower them with love and appreciation. When care givers transition into bereavement, persons who love them may be of benefit. I encourage the finding of 1000 ways to help wipe the tears and provide loving opportunities for life to be lived to the full extent.

Wow! Granny Rouse lived over 98 years, and still lives on. She is abiding now with our God, who dries weeping eyes and grants eternal life. To all who are lachrymose there is one command: "dry your eyes and live." And, there is one request, remember Aunt Ghussan and Uncle George in kind affirming ways.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, and thank you for the love of Auntie and Uncle G. Amen.