Putting the Great in Grandparents

Because my mom was a single parent most of my growing-up years, we spent the summers with my grandparents in Houston so my mom could work. I credit my grandparents for my coming to Christ in my teen years, as it was their taking me to church every Sunday and sending me to church camp every summer that introduced me to Christ in the first place. Needless to say, I am very close to them both and love them like my own parents.

They still live in Houston -- a long journey for us especially with four children in tow -- it's been 7 years since our last family trip. This past week we were blessed with a quick visit from them so they could meet their last two great-grandchildren that they had yet to see with their own eyes. Both of my grandparents are in their mid- to late-seventies and have never been to the Northwest.

My kids greeted them like they had known them all their lives, although the older two haven't seen them since they were three and one and the younger two never at all. Seeing my children in their arms brought back such happy memories of the months that I spent their as a child. My granddad made pancakes for my kids both mornings of their visit which brings back flashes of sitting in his lap eating breakfast as a child.

It is hard knowing that with their failing health that they won't always be here to see my children grow to adulthood. But it gives me joy beyond belief knowing that they are both proud of me and the lives my husband and I have carved out for ourselves and our children. And I know that even if I am never able to see them again on this earth that there will be a day where we will never again have to say goodbye. I feel truly blessed to have them in my life.

I love you, Grandmother & Granddad.

Comments

[Georji]

I can soooooo relate to your relationship with your grandparents! It's such a gift that two girls like us were not only blessed with truly extraordinary GRANDparents but to also be allowed to have them long into our adulthood. Now our kids will remember then and when we explain our childhood to them they'll understand our love for them! Although we didn't get a "fair shake" in life, God knew all along what He was doing. Pretty amazing!

[Hollie Collins]

What blessing! I feel bad chloe's great grandparents all passed when she was one I took her to visit all of them so I have the pictures and it meant a lot to them and we are gearing up to see my husbands grandmother the last remaining great grandparent but she has cancer and doesn't have much time left. Oh joy will be the day I can see my grandma again, God is great!

[Melissa K]

So sweet. My grandparents have all died, and I think it's so special that you still have these two who have played such a huge role in your life. What a legacy they have been creating.