Jennie Barrow | cabi stylist | Gulf Coast of Florida

It is with a sad yet happy heart that I share that Scott and Brett’s precious mom, and Eddie’s beloved aunt, Dolores, marched into heaven yesterday afternoon.

It is not lost on me that she followed Hurricane Isaias for two reasons. First, it would be just like her to want us to feel safe and cared for. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Isaias means “Yahweh is salvation” or “God saves.”

If there is one word to encapsulate her life, it would be hospitality.

There was never a time she didn’t try to feed us.

"You want some cheese toast?”
“No, ma’am.”
“I’ll put ham on it.”
“No, thank you.”
“You want jelly only? I can do that.”
“No, really, I’m good.”
“Cinnamon toast? I can put frosting on it!”

Seriously, she always ended up winning that battle because she wanted you fed and enjoying what she enjoyed.

She was kind and funny and so devoted to her friends and family.

Her grandchildren spent a lifetime on her living room floor. She always had a pallet spread out for the grandkids, laden with all their favorite toys. And although it wasn’t her style to get down on the floor and join the fun, it was her pure delight to make sure they had everything they needed. And yes, that included snacks within reach.

For me, she instilled what it means to be part of a family and the importance of being genuinely tied to the people God gave us.

Recently, her cousins came for a visit. I shared with them that they shouldn’t be disappointed if the visit was a short one. And to my amazement—but not really—they laughed and giggled for over four hours. She mustered up all the strength she had to be present. Those ties mattered to her.

One thing I realized recently is something I think we all took for granted.

Mam-Ma had her own opinions about life. However, she always stood quietly in the background, letting Papa shine.

As she aged, we saw more and more of HER. Her thoughts. Her views. Her opinions.

I loved that I got a front-row seat to what I thought was a transformation, but in reality, that woman had been there all along. We were just getting to know her in a different way.

CONTINUED IN COMMENTS
Song what we think Papa would've been playing as she entered heaven