Swing Low Sweet Chariot...

Doris Jean Dalton Smith

January 11, 1922 - April 19, 2010

(how gorgeous is she!)

Me as a little girl with Gran Gran

At DTS graduation in 2005

Thank you for all of your sweet messages over the last couple of days. It has been a sad week...early on Sunday morning, my sweet grandmother, Gran-Gran went home to be with Jesus. She lived a full 88 years of life and I am so grateful for the time I had with her here on earth. I am named after her with my middle name, Dalton carrying on her maiden name. We have always had a special bond all my life. One of the big reasons I moved back to Texas last summer was because I wanted to spend time with her in her remaining time. God gave us almost 9 months of sweet time together, most of which was her beloved weekly trip to the beauty shop. She and I had that in common...there is nothing like getting your hair done! As I was singing during worship tonight at The Porch at Watermark, tears came to my eyes as we sang these lyrics...thinking that Gran-Gran is in the presence of the Lord now...free of pain, suffering and weeping! Thank you Lord!

On that day when I see
All that You have for me
When I see You face to face
There surrounded by Your grace
All my fears swept away
In the light of Your embrace
Where Your love is all I need
And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold
In Your presence healed and whole
Let the songs of heaven
Rise to You alone


No weeping no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now
You hold me now
No darkness no sick or lame
No hiding You hold me now
You hold me now

You Hold Me Now by Hillsong United

As for the title of this blog entry: When we were growing up, Gran Gran would always sing "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" as we would swing on her swing in her backyard. I have always loved that song and think of her when I hear it...I am making a DVD to play at the visitation on Thursday night with lots of pictures of Gran Gran and our family over the years...and am using that song as one of the background songs. I'll try and post the video next week...

A little shout out...

You HAVE to check out my best friend Ali's little ones on her blog and also her photography website...she is a very talented child photographer! Shout out to my girl and just want to let yall get to see how cute her kiddos are and I'm sure you can imagine how much fun I am having with them each week! Today, we had a lovely "picnic" and swinging session in the backyard in the perfect spring weather! Some of my favorite moments every week are spent being "yaya" with these 3! Love you Al, Junebug, and H.P.!