I met Georgia probably in late 2012 early 2013. I was trying to get the word out about us being the first and only yoga studio offering a Christ centered practice in Glendale. So I offered a Groupon.

Shortly after, I received an email from a sweet young lady inquiring about our practice. She wanted to know if the practice would be suitable for her Grams, you know would she be able to participate.

I of course reassured the young lady, saying yes please bring her, and I immediately started planning modifications in my head for “ Grams” .

That Saturday a tall, beautiful and smiling young lady came into the studio and introduced herself as Mandi. I immediately craned my neck looking around for “Grams” behind her because in my mind I had pictured an elderly, wisen most likely taking unsteady steps old lady, but that was not the grams I was about to meet. Instead I met a beautiful, glamorous, confident, sure footed lady standing behind Mandi. THIS IS GRAMS, I thought? Well, this is exactly the kinda Grams I want to be when I grow up I thought laughingly. .. and btw I was already a grandmother of two.

Georgia bought an unlimited class package and committed to practicing Christ centered yoga with us regularly until the studio closed in 2017. Let me tell you, that lady could hold a high plank and a solid warrior 2 in her late 70’s till she opted for a slower practice of deep restorative yoga stretches.

Georgia and I developed a beautiful relationship. We bonded over our shared roles as grandmothers. I watched as she came into the studio early on Tuesdays and Thursdays and would text with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, wherever they were in the world. She was so proud of all of you and loved you deeply. I heard her heart in the stories she shared with me. I was privileged to read some of the poems she wrote, and I heard about the special trinkets she had picked out for you. I heard about some of the special trips to visit with some of you down south and out west. I witnessed her talking on the phone with you. She’d tell me after, that was my grandson or my granddaughter or my great granddaughter.

I saw your photographs countless times. She proudly shared her display in the living room everytime I visited, and she was extremely proud of the newest family picture wall just off the kitchen. She showed me her collection of clocks set to the time zone where each of you were.

To be honest I haven’t been able to keep you all straight in my head even though I know your names. I never fully remembered who belonged to whom, except I knew you all belonged to Georgia and each of you held a special place in her heart.

Georgia wanted to share her love for our yoga practice so she proudly invited Trinity to join her and Mandi at the studio when Trinity visited one year.

And of course Y.O.G.A. under the Stars or YUTS as she referred to it was also near and dear to her heart. She desperately wanted Carroll, Patti, Jessica and other family members to experience this non traditional style of Praise and Worship that she loved so much. She would start praying over that backyard as she planted and tended her flowers in preparation for the practice even before the date was set.

One year we practiced on Good Friday, but the Maundy Thursday practice the following year was the one that resonated deep in her soul. Georgia had a servants heart and wiping the feet of others on that special evening is what she wanted to do for her family.

Georgia and I shared a grandmothers heart: the unconditional love, the heartache, the endless prayers, the joy, the tears, the saying too much sometimes and other times the wisdom of silence. We understood each others path in this season of our lives.

Georgia shared so much wisdom with me over the years from her well worn and experienced path of life.

We had many conversations about Jesus and His hand in our lives. The year before the studio closed, I was at a crossroads in my life trying desperately to discern Gods will and His direction. One day she took me up to Yarnell to the stations of the cross were we talked and shared. “I desperately need a time of solitude”, I told her “ but I didn’t know where to go. I was at a loss. I wasn’t looking for a vacation I needed a time of solitude”.

Georgia knew the perfect place. The next thing I knew she had spoken with her friend Martha and secured her permission, to take me for a few days to Martha’s beautiful home on Peugeot Sound. When I opened the window and looked straight up at Mount Rainier, I knew immediately that Georgia had picked the perfect place for me.

Georgia cared for me for 5 days allowing me the time and privacy I needed to seek God.

Georgia was a nurturer, and part of her love language came through her cooking & baking.  Her cheeseburger soup, those potato chip cookies and Carmel sauce were to die for! I never missed the twinkle in her eyes as she watched us devour it.

Georgia no doubt has left an indelible mark on all our hearts.

I always said to myself I want what she has with her grand and great grand children for me and mine.

The greatest blessing though is we get to see her again in Heaven. 🙏🏼

Rest in Peace Sweet Sistah❤️