Final Prayer for Grandma

THE CEO OF EVERYTHING BLOG (Own Your Business. Own Your Life.)

Today, I’m shifting directions.

As I continue to write, my blog will now focus on intentional themes that shape both life and leadership. Each post will align with one of two anchors:

• The SPOIL Framework – Seven Pillars of Intentional Living: Wealth, Relationships, Career, Health, Wisdom, Community, Spirituality.

• The Business Strategy Map – Mission, Vision, Values + Strategic Themes + Business Success Ladder + Accountability Metrics that drive real results.

Today’s post is rooted deeply in Relationships, Community, and Spirituality. It’s personal.

This is a reflection on my final day with my Grandma who just passed away. As I sat beside her, hand in hand, I said the prayer below aloud to her, with her, for you. And—no SH!T—she literally squeezed my hand as I said “Amen.” I freaking can’t make this God stuff up.

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Dear Lord,

Please take my grandma home. She’s ready to see her mom, brothers, and sisters—though they might not quite be ready for her. And not that You don’t already know this, but like me… she’s a little high maintenance.

And God, if You’re at all on the fence about letting her into heaven, there are two things I know for sure:

• First and most importantly, she’s a believer. She knows You as her Savior. She read me Bible stories, took me to church, and prayed with me. That’s some good old-fashioned faith.

• Second, my Grandpa Joe—one of the most devout men I’ve ever known—is up there waiting at the gate for her. Bless him for that! He always made her a better person and brought her closer to You. So maybe she can still be his plus one?

Next God, I want to thank my grandma for everything she’s given me.

• My dad is the spitting image of her, and I’ve grown up looking like him—so I’ve always seen myself in her.

• She loved beauty—in people, in places, in things—and I share that love with her. We even both married handsome men. Great job to us.

• As my niece Kennedy would say, “She’s a fierce, independent woman.” She came from a long line of these women. Strong. Stubborn. Survivors. I’m passionate about continuing that tradition.

• She loved to stay active—walking, swimming, stretching—anything to stay young and vibrant. Hello, God, You know that’s my thing too. And by the way, Grandma, you still look absolutely fabulous, even on your death bed. Deone did a great job on maintaining your hair and nails. Honestly, God, have You ever seen a 98-year-old headed to heaven with a solid dye job and hot pink manicure? That’s my Grandma.

• Most of all, she gave me roots—deep, beautiful roots in a Latin culture I’m so proud and honored to be part of. She passed that to me through my dad, and that is one of the greatest gifts a daughter could ever receive. Seriously, who doesn’t want to be part of a crazy Mexican family? I always say, every family needs an Uncle Frank!

Grandma, I am truly, eternally grateful to you for giving me my dad & everything that came with that. Thank you.

So God, the request is simple: You’ve gotta let her in. We’ll be heartbroken to lose her, my mom most of all, but we can be at peace knowing she is safe, whole, and loved.

And Grandma, Carlita is here. I love you. Bobby & Deone love you. It’s okay to go. Everyone is waiting & ready for you now. God knows you’re coming…Amen.

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