It is in times of trial and tribulation that we really get to see our true character and what we are made of. This was evident to me on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 when my dear Grandmother, Cora Lee Faircloth, went home to glory at the ripe age of 102. It didn’t hit me that she was gone for a few days. I started to think, “Is something wrong with me?” Then it all started to sink in. My Grandma – my resilient, ultra-loving, warm, sassy, witty Grandma, was gone. It was then that I started to think of all of the ways she has enriched my life with her love, kindness, and generosity and I was overwhelmed with gratitude! Now, more than ever, I feel it’s my duty to carry on her unconditional love, generosity and fortitude. She was the greatest example of what it means to love. The lyrics to the Curtis Mayfield tune, “The Makings of You”, best described what she was to our family.
Add a little sugar, honey suckle lamb
Great expression of happiness
Boy, you could not miss with a dozen roses
Such would astound you
The joy of children laughing around you
These are the makings of you
It is true, the makings of you, oh
It’s been a miracle for what you’ve done
Please stay right by my side
Two can be one for the righteous way to go
Anyone would know
I believe I thought I told you so
You’re second to none
Love of all mankind should reflect some sign
Of these words I’m trying to recite
They’re close, but not quite
Almost impossible to do
Reciting the makings of you
The righteous way to go
Little one would know
Or believe if I told them so
You’re second to none
The love of all mankind should reflect some sign
Of these words I’m trying to recite
They’re close, but not quite
Almost impossible to do
Reciting the makings of you
All I can say is thank you Jesus for blessing me with a love like Grandma’s. I am forever indebted to her and will make it my business to endeavor to love and care for mankind in the way that she showed me. I thank God for sharing her with us. I know she’s in the hands of the Lord now, reunited with her parents, siblings, and friends gone on before her. Oh believe me! Mrs. Cora Lee is strutting on the streets of gold in her finest, honey!
Cora Lee Faircloth
August 10, 1912 – July 21, 2015
A life well lived, a rest well deserved.