Nelda Christine Strecker

On Sunday June 14, I had the pleasure of staying with my grandma while she was in the hospital. We really enjoyed each others company. I got to talk with her about a lot of things, read to her, and she even ate a little... and when I say little I mean, a few bites literally. She was adamant on not eating. Since she has been diagnosed with ALS, she has really searched for a reason she could grasp for having this horrible disease. She never blamed God or herself, she just was hoping for a rhyme or reason to getting it. We both finally decided that God was using her life as a tool for others. Although we don't know whose life may be affected by her going through this process, some one's will. God has a master plan that we don't know and she certainly was not going to deny that. I told her that the only thing I could come up with is that he knew he had to pick someone strong to deal with it and I don't think I've ever met a stronger person.
I've always been my grandma's baby and I can't tell you how many nights I've stayed with her. I lived with her my first year of college. When she lived in Pine Bluff she had a liquor store that was right beside the elementary school I went to. When I was in first grade, she would just walk over to get me. She has told me of the memory so many times... She's says I would just break to run as she would be there waiting for me. She loved those times. She had a friend named Barbara that came over once and a while and they would drink wine and visit. I can remember vividly sitting at that round wooden table with her and Barbara with my own glass of wine like I was an adult. I would say the most vivid memories I have of her is no matter where she lived, she always had a garden. She loved a garden and I loved being in the garden with her. Grandpa would till up the dirt and it would be so soft and cool.... I loved it.
She died Sunday, June 21st. I was right there with her as were all of her kids, grandkids, and most of her brothers and sisters. She had so many people that loved her and she went to heaven so peacefully. God blessed us with that.
I have many memories with her and I will always remember them. I'm thankful to have had her as my grandmother. She was such a family person. She loved so deeply. She may tell you what's on her mind, but she meant it with love. I will miss her so much. I'm certainly glad she is no longer suffering. These past few months she has talked so much about heaven and who she will see when she gets there. About a month ago, we were talking about all the people she would see and she told me not to be sad when she went b/c she would be so happy and that I'd see her again one day. I know that's true but it doesn't make the waiting any easier.
Thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers. Keep praying for us as we go through the sad time. The visitation will be on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Humphrey Funeral home in Russellville, AR. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church in Dardanelle, AR. You can also leave comments at www.humphreyfuneral.com/ .