 |
Andria with two of her grandsons at Christmas, 2011
I have now been married to Andria for 33 years. It is difficult to explain that even after all that time, I’m still in awe at who I married. I could write a book, but here's a brief synopsis.
Andria exhausts me
She says yes to everyone, everywhere: children, neighbors, friends, relatives--me. I have been on this globe for 56 years. Not once have I come across one such as her. When a child calls because they've forgotten something for school. There’s no reproach, no sense of being put out. "I'll run it right down," is all I hear. That happened today even. Another today story: An adult asked for Catherine to babysit. She can't. Andria offered to help if she couldn't find someone else. Etc., etc. Myriad stories everyday, every week, every month, every week. Constant, unyielding. Of course, I'm often asked to assist. I used to resist. But resistance is futile. I'm exhausted--and so is Andria. But we'll get up tomorrow and start it again, joyfully by golly.
Andria inspires me
She has a sense of what to ask for in her prayers. Since our children were first born, she started praying not just for them, but for their future spouses. She knew that God knew who they would be. I'm convinced. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous [wo]man availeth much" (James 5:16). Our daughter-in-laws and son-in-law are more than I could have hoped for, could have dreamed for. I was once asked if I thought prayers did any good. I can now answer "prayer will change the night to day."
Andria is tough--and tender
We experienced the ultimate challenge when we were called to serve in Moscow. I was amazed at Andria's attitude of excitement, of grace, of everything someone in her untenable position would need to be. (Once she told me I let out these unconscious sighs all the time. I tried to improve.) I only found out a year after we’d been home that often, especially the first six months, she would cry in the shower so that I would not see her tears. She wanted to give me all the energy she could--and more.
Andria is a miraculous miracle for me
When I fell head over heels for her, I was distraught because the feeling wasn’t reciprocal at first. I knew that I should move on, which was grievous to me. This next part of the story has only happened to me twice in my life: I opened the scriptures randomly and came across Proverbs 4:6:
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
and then verses 8 and 9:
Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.
I felt like Joseph Smith:
Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.
So I continued, and then the greatest miracle of my personal happened: Her heart changed.
But of all God miracles, large and small,
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be
God has given you to me. [Miracles of Miracles, Fiddler on the Roof]
DearScriptures.com
When I grow up….I want to be like Andria.
Brother Cranney,
This is one of the best articles I have ever read! I loved reading about Andria. She is truly an angel. She inspires me every time I see her! I have been blessed countless times through your sweet family.
Thank you!
Your Friend and Neighbor,
Chrissy Ciancanelli [my note: Chrissy is a Romanov descendant]
Wow! What a beautiful tribute for Mothers Day. She deserved every word of that tribute! But also remember, you are the wind beneath her wings:) She couldn’t do it without you!
Being a full-time mother is
one of the highest salaried jobs…
since the payment is pure love.
(Mildred B. Vermont)
I love you, Sister Cranney;
I will always remember your service!
Great article, President Cranney
Dear Cranneys, this is a beautiful tribute and fully warrented! Andria is truly one of God’s angels on earth. Her generosity of service is unbounded! We were able to see many acts of kindness and service while we were in Russia. What an amazing life (and ever after) partner—- and you are a sweetheart too Charles!
. . . for I had a mother that read to me!
You didn’t even finish the little poem!
It’s true we have a great mother. We are truly blessed in the Cranney family to have strong, wonderful women, Mom chief among them. Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Ah. It wouldn’t quite work for me to use the whole poem. Editor’s prerogative since I wasn’t referring to my mother but my wife, who doesn’t read to me, except perhaps Reader’s Digest jokes and the Book of Mormon at breakfast.
My mother did read a lot to me when I was younger, though.
Thank you President Cranney……Thank you Cectpa Cranney for being our mission mom…..We love you …happy Mothers Day
I think next to you (dad), my siblings and I have benefited most from our remarkable mom. Amen to everything you have written. She really is an inspiration and rock. I love her.
Thank you, pr. Cranney!
all you said is true!
i’m so greatful that I hade a chance to serve with you!
I love you and my mission Mom – beloved sister Cranney!
Dear Cranneys,
This is a wonderful tribute from a loving husband to his soul mate and eternal companion. You both make the world a better place and bring happiness to those around you. You certainly have a special place in my heart, and I feel blessed to know you. Happy Mother’s Day, Andria. And thank you, President Cranny, for sharing your loving, uplifting thoughts. I’m sending you both my love.
Truly, Sister Cranney is one of the kindest and tenderly loving persons i’ve ever met in my life – the true follower of Jesus Christ! May you both continue to share your light along!
Thank you so much for that, President Cranney!
You and Sister Cranney are some of the biggest inspirations to me and everything you wrote helped explain more beneath the iceberg- Sister Cranney was a true strength to all of the missionaries and always had love to offer. God bless you my dear friends!
This is so sweet! Andria is absolutely amazing, and such a great example to me. I don’t know how she gets everything done, but she does, and happily!
I’m never going to complain when prayers are said in my behalf—I’m sure I needed every one of those praryers. You both are amazing parents, in-laws, and grandparents; we are ever so grateful for the wonderful examples of cheerful and heartfelt service.
Thank you for sharing that! Sister Cranney is such an example and an inspiration! It has been a long time since I have seen you guys, but as a new wife and mother, I still look to Sister Cranney as an example of charity, gentleness, and self sacrifice. I love you both!