Today, Thursday August 9th…
The day started a little glum as I was SOOO looking forward
to having our little “grandblessing” with us for the next few days. Not only was I eagerly anticipating his
arrival this morning, but a medical appointment, a meeting, and 2 vacation days
were “reconfigured” in his honor. His
arrival today was also one of many factors that went in to the decision NOT to
join WGH in Wisconsin to aid Aunt B.
Feelings of sadness, followed by frustration brought to mind
a discussion I had with a loved one whose propensity is toward “the
cantankerous”. With that recollection,
came conviction. Oftentimes it seems, when we complain it’s because we feel
that “our” rights; preferences; schedules, plans, etc. have been infringed
upon.
Rather than taking the victim stance, I’m looking forward to
knocking out a few “must-do-in-August” tasks.
I’m certainly not insinuating we should freely run over other people in
anticipation of a “by” – the Golden Rule still applies. But, what’s done is done. Complaining doesn’t change outcomes. That silver lining, those hidden blessings
are there….we just keep our eyes open to them! J
On another note, William is on his way home tonight…. Can’t
wait to see him and thank him again for the way he has stepped up. He’s amazing – and my eyes don’t even have to
be open in order to see the incredible blessing he is to me and to our entire
family! It’s crystal clear!
Today, Friday August 10th…
So, when I woke up this morning…. WGH was lying next to me. (Thank you God, for safe travels – and all
those delays were probably part of the whole “safety plan”!)
We are in for a much needed night at home…. Lowkey, catching
up and rest for all! Thank you…and
Goodnight!
Today, Saturday August 11th ….
The first thing that comes to mind when this day rolls
around each year is my grandmother.
Without looking at last year’s “August Reasons for Gratitude” I’m
confident she was high on the list - this day, one year ago. As time without her here on Earth increases,
so does the realization of her tremendous impact. When I think of Bryce (and the ones to come)
she is the model I long to emulate. Nannie
lived 500 miles from me, in Kettering, Ohio – yet, our relationship was much
closer than any “grandmother –granddaughter pairing” I’ve known.
She was the epitome of the traditional
grandma, mixed with abundant laughter; faith; perseverance; wisdom that
many likely disregarded and generosity that too many probably manipulated.
Whenever I wear navy today, a gentle smile spreads across my
face. It’s almost an “unannounced
tribute”. She wore navy often. She would likely be flattered and giggle - as
she did in the face of many silly “inside jokes”.
The most horrific thing she did to my knowledge was getting
me hooked on one of her “stories”: Days of our Lives. It was back in the day when Bo and Hope were engaged
and I was immediately sucked in! It’s funny to me that she ever followed that
show. Somehow, I suspect she’d be glad
that I kicked that habit many years ago.
(Although, if I ever “land” on an episode while channel surfing today,
it’s apparent that some of the same characters from the 80s are stuck in the
most eccentric plots imaginable!) I’m guessing, she’d have kicked that guilty
pleasure by now herself!
She baked cookies, decorated her quaint little home for Christmas
in a manner that is still fresh in memory.
She giggled a lot; was a great listener and an amazing encourager. Nannie made phone calls, wrote letters, and
sent little care-packages from time to time. She prayed a lot.
She was the local “Avon lady”. As
a little girl who adored “girly” things, I always thought it was ultra-cool to
have a grandmother in the “cosmetics industry.”
(She kept me supplied with teeny, pale lipstick samples that were about
the length of my fingernail.) Of course,
I had all the collectible animal decanters too.
(It’s one of those things that few would understand now – unless, they
had a similarly chic “Avon Lady” grandma!)
Nannie was an
incredible all-around woman; a loving, devoted and persevering wife; a model
grandmother (apart from that little “Days of our Lives” indiscretion); and one
of the most influential people in my life.
In contrast, she gave me my first Bible – a large Children’s Bible that
I’d love to have today. Even if I never
lay my hands on the pages again, the impact and the memory can’t be undone.
I miss her as much today as I did the day she left us. However, I’m grateful for the closeness
shared. The fact that I still miss her –
is cause for thanks. I hope that 20
years after I’m gone, there will be a few that miss me. Hopefully, I will have made a fraction of her
impact on my babies …and on theirs.
Thank you, God – for allowing Mary Eunice Young to bring my
dad and his three siblings into this world. That step was crucial in her
becoming the absolute best grandma one could have. She was a special, strong, but yet tender
woman. How privileged I was to have had
her for 20 plus years….and her prayers and memories with me still.
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