A Tribute to Besta

UPDATE: Grandma/Besta went to be with the Lord today, May 3rd!
See you later Grandma!
Russ, Lisa and Jason




Russ' grandmother, Ann Murphy,(better known as Besta) is on her way out of this world even as I write this post. This is a small way to honor her and let the world know her existence and influence in this world...

She has been suffering with the terrible, terrible disease called Altzheimer's for the past 5-6 years. Russ' mom, Chris, has taken care of her faithfully for these last years along with other family members and friends who have passed through.

Let me tell you who I thought Ann Murphy was....what a wonderful lady... when I first met her, she welcomed me into the family really quick. She told me of all of Russ' good qualities and what I needed to do for him(-; I remember...she was feisty and strong and telling me how to take care of her grandson. She was always pleasant and always had a smile on her face. In the best way she could, she welcomed our son into the family (by that time, she had begun to fade a bit from time to time but recognized what was going on)....she was a believer in Christ. We had many talks downstairs in her apartment about Jesus and how she loved him and felt her service at church was paying tribute to her Lord and Savior. I had the privilege during the spring and summer of 2004 to be with her every other week while Chris worked. We had some nice chats. She loved her grandchildren too.....Eric, Russ, Misu and Coleen(and of course Stephen, Dave, Lisa, Brian and Elena) were very important to her. Then she had her great grandchildren-Becca, Jason,Melina, Brandon, Lexi and Katy and adored them as well! We will have to include of course, Brian and Elena's children...Maya and Liam.

Goodbye Grandma...you touched many lives with your own and a part of you will be with the Roses in Alabama forever! Thank you for being a great woman who loved the Lord and taught me so much. I pray that as I write, Jesus is reaching out to you right now beckoning you to his throne! We love you!
Lisa, your grand-daughter in law
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From Russ to Grandma....
What Is a Grandma?

A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes. She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to and she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true. She always loves you, no matter what. She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods and makes it clear that they don't affect how precious you are to her. She has an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles. She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart, who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you've become.

Sometimes you find what others have said so pertanent about a person you loved so much and what they have done for you. A tender laugh while going though a car wash, a memory still fond when getting the car washed. A competitive game of Scrabble or Rummycube, a search through the mysterious cupboard of games and nic nacs. A feast available at anytime (Grill Cheese, baked sweets, and yes, hot tea!!)

Take me out to the ball game!!!! Be it world series or a regular game, the Yankees were our favorite team!!!! Grandma was our own McGyver, always having the right gadget when you needed it, we faithfully watch that show with bated breath all the time. And Yes guys Grandma was a Trekie, from Captain Kirk to Picard, from Borg to Klingon she enjoyed as much as I did.

Everything done with Grandma was with a sense of safety and security. With her you know everything was going to be alright. She was a woman of common sense and wisdom. If mom says, no, ask Grandma...though I never did that vindictively. It was all about getting something that she had in her storehouse of goodies and odd facts.

I can say so much more, but would love to have others in the family as it says below, tell some wonderful story, funny etc.

FOR THE ROSES ELSEWHERE...if you would like to post thoughts about Grandma.....we can honor her more!