A Sweet Memory with Granny in Paducah!

This is the last night of the "United Tour" with MWS, and it just so happens to be in Paducah, Steven's home town.  Granny, Steven's 96 year old grandmother won't be able to make the show so Steven and Caleb took the show to her!  They visited her in the nursing home and played all the hymns that Granny wanted.  Dorothy is her name and she has been and continues to be the prayer warrior/glue, for the Chapman family.  She gave Steven a hug to pass on to me, and has promised that if she SEE's Maria before we do that she will hug and kiss her tightly for us and tell her how much we so LOVED her for the time God allowed us to parent her (of course I know that Maria fully understands this now).  Thanks for your continued support as May is upon us.  So much to grieve and so much to celebrate.  I so appreciate you all on the journey with me.  Hug your kids tighter today for me and never forget what precious gifts they are from the Father above.  10 days to the wedding!!!!!  Can you believe that Caleb is getting married?  Stand by for more details coming.

Comments

[Joan Edwards]

Mary Beth, I just viewed all the pictures you've posted and read your blog comments. Thanks for sharing your heart with us. As a "fellow" mother (but with all three of my sons still here on earth), I am touched by the Lord to pray for you as you experience such joy this month inter-mingled with constant reminders of dear Maria. But, what a blessing of God to constantly remind you of her. You certainly don't want to forget. She is still so much a part of your lives thanks to our precious Lord Jesus Christ. Please be assured of my continued prayers. I don't know you personally, but certainly feel as if I do. God bless, Joan E (Houston, Texas)

[J.T.]

Precious! What a blessing.
My grandma is in her eighties and a prayer warrior for me.

[Christina Campbell]

MaryBeth,
What a wonderful picture. You and your family are an inspiration to me. I've always loved your husband's music, but I especially appreciate his "This moment" cd. I'll keep you in my prayers, God Bless you and your entire family.
Christina

[Diane Clemmons]

Just wanted you to know yet another is praying for you as you move toward this first anniversary of your beautiful daughter's first chance to see Jesus' face. I remember as we approached that day the first time. The days leading up to it were actually worse than the day itself. But GOD has been so faithful to bring us through three of them. And every one brings me a little closer to seeing my daughter and my Lord. In the mean time I CHERISH the time with my family here, as I know you do. Know that you and your family are loved and remembered.

[Gretchen]

Mary Beth-
Thank you for sharing all the love in your family. I always look forward to your posts.
As far as sharing details about Caleb's and Julia's wedding. If you need any ideas a few come to mind. Is it an outdoor or indoor wedding? And what color will the bridemaids be wearing? I know this day will be extra special to be on Mother's Day and to see two childhood sweethearts saying such special vows I know that Maria will SEE them too.

Because of him-

[kathy naylor]

I care for my 96yr. old grandma "nanny". It has been my priviledge. God has used her to bless my life all my life, as she raised me and 3siblings. She is receiving communion for the first time in a long time next Tues. and especially looking forward to it.
p.s. yes, in May especially will cover you in/with prayers.

[Jolynn Van Wienen]

mary beth
thank you so much for updating so frequently...it really does help to write it out doesn't it (at least that's what i find in my blog). i just want you to know that i'm thinking of you and praying for you and your fam as maria's first Heaven birthday approaches (that's what we refer to Seth's death - his Heaven bday). i remember that the weeks leading to that 'last first' were the hardest of the entire year for me...so i pray for extra strength for you. i'm so glad that you have caleb's wedding to look forward to!
thinking of you often....
from one hurting mom's heart to another...
jolynn van wienen
hudsonville, mi

[Kim]

Mary Beth,

Please know that I pray for you daily. I too have three little reasons why heaven is gonna be that much sweeter.

Your transparancy through this has been so encouraging. Your questions, your anger and your joy have been a great encouragement to me.

I know that this month will be awful for you and your family. I also pray for Will Franklin.

As I sat and watched the Dove Awards I prayed for you, Steven, Caleb and Wil. My heart broke for you all over again. Thank you for allowing me to pray for ya'all.

Standing On HIS Promises,
Kim

[Dawn]

The picture is one to remember!!! As this month of May comes I pray that God comforts you and your family in this time of grief and celebration in light of Calebs wedding!!! It is such a blessing to be your tweeter buddy!!! Your family will be in my prayers this month!!!! GOD BE WITH YOU!!!! Isaiah 41:10(i believe that is the verse, I know that it is in Isaiah =))
Do not be fear for I am with you.. Do not be dismayed for I am your GOD, I will stregthen you and hold you with my rightous right hand!!!

[Melody M]

Great picture! Grandma Dorothy looks like Steven also. You can definitely tell they are all family.

You Rock Mary Beth! I know that May will be hard for you all with what would have been Maria's 6th birthday and her anniversary of her homegoing to Jesus.
Praying for you all

[Debbie from Ohio]

That is so, so, AWESOME! How blessed to have a prayer warrior like her! God has blessed her with a long life, she must've been a good woman! The family resemblance is very strong there in those 4 faces!

[Priscilla]

Aw she looks like a sweet Granny! And man, Steven looks so much like his dad!! So cool seeing families with a strong Christian legacy :) all the best with the prep for Caleb's wedding!

[Dana]

What a wonderful pictures - four generations that can attest to God's enduring love. I'm guessing this must be the granny Steven wrote about in "What Would I Say?" That's another song that brought tears to my eyes - such a beautiful tribute to Steven's grandparents. "Granny" - hope she doesn't mind us calling her that - sure seems like a wonderful person and I know from Steven's song, if I have the write Granny, that she is an inspiration to him.

Granny's comment reminded me of how I was comforted when my grandpa dies, knowing that the baby boy my parents lost - he was stillborn at eights months gestation - was waiting to welcome his grandpa to heaven. My grandpa adored his grandchildren and spoiled us rotten. He had a little daughter also waiting for him, along with my brother.

Was looking Steven up on the Internet and came across and OLD interview - he mentions that Emily is 10 going on 20, that Will Franklin had a smashed finger and Caleb had lost a tooth. He also mentions that you surprised him for his 30th birthday by telling him you were all going to a PJ party - he didn't wonder why you weren't in your PJs? Thought you might enjoy it.

http://pages.prodigy.net/dianamorris/feat1o.htm

Your family has been in my thoughts a lot lately and I know May will be a tough month for you with Maria's birthday and the first anniversary of hear death. Not sure how long it takes for you to get Steven's mail, but I hope the package I sent for the girls will arrive soon(I know it's been delivered to the PO box), as I wanted it to be a small comfort to all of you this May.

You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Dana

[Christine Gordon]

just precious to see the glue of the Chapman family; spent the day at an assisted living home singing sweet hymns to Jesus with them....although I don't think it sounded as good as with SC and CC! If he ever wants to drop by it would be a huge help........heeeheeee........but he's not allowed to come without you.

Longing for the day when we will all truly SEE. Praying for you daily..it's a promise...when you weep I weep and when you celebrate I'll be praising HIS name on behalf of all of you.

I am hugging my children tighter because of sweet MARIA and her PRECIOUS MAMA reminding me. (Right now one of their cries is reminding me.)

You truly continue to change the world one little heart beat at at time even in the bittersweet.

Thank you Mary Beth Chapman.......honored to be your tweetering buddy. Still dream of the day I could take you to Starbucks and hear you share face ot face.......but heaven's gonna come.....and face to face we'll SEE.

Christine Gordon and Family in MA

[June Vendetti]

Dear Mary Beth,

What a beautiful photo of the 4 generations! I'll bet Granny is very proud of her grandson and great grandsons!

Can't believe that Caleb and Julia's Wedding Day is so near! I remember the Thanksgiving video, when Shaoy tried to give away the Wedding Date!

God bless all of you, as you celebrate Caleb and Julia's special day.

Now, you will have both a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law! My, how the family is growing!

You are all in my prayers during this special time.

Enjoy the wedding, and DANCE!

June Vendetti,
Bridgeport, Ct.

[MT]

Praying for you. Love and blessings to you and your family.

[Tricia Keierleber]

Praying for y'all as May draws near...

Congrats Caleb! :) You better post pics Mary Beth! :)

Tricia Keierleber
Richmond Tx
keierleber.blogspot.com

[Anna Ching]

What a precious picture. 4 generations. You are in my prayers.

[Robin]

Wow Mary Beth! SCC sure does look like his grandma!! How sweet that she was able to hear those Hymns. I know the older folks in our church love to hear the old hymns. Thinking of you and the entire Chapman family during sweet Maria's homecomming anniversary! Hope the wedding goes smoothly!

[stephiegdalyrist]

That is so great and sweet!! Steven has a sweet,sweet granny,how awesome.So glad yall had that time together.

Praying for Dorthy,you all always.Thanks for sharing,that is so awesome.God bless always

Stephanie G
Charlotte,NC

[Cynthia Y.]

Hugs done! :)

WOW! TEN DAYS!! How exciting, yet sad at the same time.

You've had so much on your plate over this past year and you have handled it gracefully and with such courage. You and your family are such tremendous witnesses for Jesus!

I continue to pray for you, even if I don't post as much as I used to. I've noticed lately that the Lord is laying you more and more on my heart, so my prayers have increased accordingly.

Love you!

Cynthia Y.

[cindi m.]

I'm sure "The Boys" brightened many faces and spirits today by singing about The King. I'd guess "The Old Rugged Cross," "Power In The Blood" and "Amazing Grace" were sung. Grandma Dorothy, your prayers still go to the throne!

Thinking of you today, Mary Beth. You are loved.

[Janele]

Mary Beth, it is an honor to lift you up before the throne. That first anniversary is so hard- my prayers (and tears) for all of you continue without ceasing.

Shortly before he died, I asked my grandpa to hold my Zachary for me and tell him how much I love him. It is comforting to know that Grandpa is there with him. What a wonderful reunion all of us who grieve the loss of a child will have when the Lord comes for us!

[Isabelle]

Thank you Mary Beth for allowing us to come along side you during this incredible journey. Thank you for being so open and honest with all of us who may never get to meet you this side of heaven. The entire Chapman clan is in my prayers. Love you!

[Cindy Koester,Byron,MN]

Beautiful Mary Beth!
Thank you for sharing such a precious picture with us!
Wow....what a blessing to have the guys sing for her like that!
I know there were many happy hearts there because of that gift!

You do a beautiful job of expressing yourself and being so honest. It really is a gift to be sharing with you in this small way, the journey that you have been on.
Unbelievable that the wedding is that close! It'll be a special Mothers Day!
You all continue in our prayers!
Hugs to you!
Cindy K