Grandparents

I have always loved being around my Grandparents.  As I have grown older the amount of time spent with each living Grandparent has decreased.  Recently, I made a special memory with one of my Grandmothers and it reminded me that time in this world is brief.  The memory made was that of a prayer. As I prayed with my 84 year old Grandmother, I saw her as fragile. She has always been a rock in our family and I am always amazed at how strong she seems.  Throughout her journey she has lost a husband, son, and siblings, but she has not lost her faith. 

A memory I will forever cherish is hearing the news of my Great-Grandmother accepting Christ as her Savior, which occured this past Sunday.  I have lived my whole life believing she was a christian, because she is one of the best women I know.  At her ripe age, she answered to a calling and admitted good works does not gain ones salvation.

 For it is written in Ephesians 2:1-10

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

I am blessed to have three living Grandparents and one Great-grandparent.  I have had to say goodbye to many and it was extremely difficult, but I am thankful for the memories. Some I did not know, but their legacy lives on in our family through stories. 

 His legacy lives on through stories and he was my Papa.  I only knew him for a short time and was told I was his first brown eyed grand-child.  This has always made me thankful for my brown eyes. Though I did not know him, I love him.  I see him when I look at my dad and uncles.  

 She is now in her 80's and just as beautiful as ever. Her grandchildren call her, Memommy.  It was given to her by my oldest cousin.  Memmommy's boys would joke with my cousin saying, "This is my mommy," to which Jennifer would reply, "No! It's Memommy!"  

Sometimes she took on a role that was more like a mother.  I lived in her house for a season and we were extremely close.  I remember all the times she would make breakfast just for me. Although miles are now between us, she is only a phone call away. Sometimes I long to be that little girl sitting in her Maw-maw's lap listening to stories. I do admire the way she takes care of her husband.  It is only by God's grace that she is capable of this.  I am not certain I could care for anyone under the same circumstances the way she has.

I am happy to say she is my sister in Christ.  My Great-Grandmother who has a special place in my life.  She is more capable of things than I ever will be and I am so thankful for all the memories we share.

I love when Papa and Nanny walk into the room and the babies faces light up with smiles.  I love Nanny's home cooking and taking naps at their house.  I have always had trouble sleeping, but every time I visit Papa and Nanny's house I rest well.

Saying good-bye to her was one of the hardest things I have ever done. She was a Grandmother to me.  Although, she was not blood related, no one would have known.  I was her granddaughter and she loved me just as her own.  As I write this post tears stream down my face thinking of all the memories shared.  I love her now and forever.  Her husband was special to me as well.  Although I have no pictures of him, I do have memories.

I was such a Paw-Paw's girl.  When he was around I didn't like to let him out of my site.  We would watch cartoons for hours.  May 2004 was a memory I wish to forget, but I will forever remember the call saying it was a motorcycle wreck.  He is still living, but never the same.  His brain injury has changed him, but the love still remains.

 The title Great-Grandfather fits him extremely well.  He was the first person I had to say good-bye too.  I was only a child and the pain was severe.  I think of him every time I smell saw-dust, because he was always at work making swings.  He was unbelievably talented and all that he made was beautiful.  I am thankful for the memories!

 Memories of horses, cows, and chicken are always associated with this Great-Grandfather.  I think of Easters spent on his land.  His little pony named Dolly was more like a puppy.  She followed him everywhere. No, this is not the pony in the picture :0)

When I count my blessing, I count memories made with grandparents and stories that continue for generations to come.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.
So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/707#ixzz1pmdvs9Nz