I was chatting with my mom earlier. She was mentioning that she wanted to take our boys to see their great- grandparents next weekend as a way to meet up and lessen our drive for when we have to pick them up. As she continued talking, she mentioned how my granddad is doing. He has been challenged with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease. She then tells me that he has had some other challenges, including a recent stroke. We ended the conversation and I was sobered.
My grandmother lived in a small town in Allendale, SC. We often went there during my younger years. It was a town with about two traffic lights, gnats, one Hardees, and a constant soothing sound of freight and cargo trains. We would sit on the front porch of her house and then daringly jump off. Her car that she had for over 40 plus years still sits under the carport. She passed away some years ago. At the funeral, I was awakened to the fact that I needed to call my grandparents a lot more to check in on them. I got off to a great start. I was calling all of them at least twice a month. It was always good to hear them. Since then, with the welcomed distractions of work, school, and family, my calls seemed to fizzle. The twice a month has turned into a once every two months or longer.
The call from my mom reminded me of the concept of our own mortality and how we need to take advantage of every moment. It also reminds me that we need to cherish the times with our elders. I just don't know when God is going to call them home (this is a very sobering write).
I want my kids to see their great-grandparents. I hope they have a great time there.
Encourage your children to see or call their grandparents. It takes a couple of minutes or a weekend visit. There is no off season for your encouragement. Lend me your thoughts.
My grandmother lived in a small town in Allendale, SC. We often went there during my younger years. It was a town with about two traffic lights, gnats, one Hardees, and a constant soothing sound of freight and cargo trains. We would sit on the front porch of her house and then daringly jump off. Her car that she had for over 40 plus years still sits under the carport. She passed away some years ago. At the funeral, I was awakened to the fact that I needed to call my grandparents a lot more to check in on them. I got off to a great start. I was calling all of them at least twice a month. It was always good to hear them. Since then, with the welcomed distractions of work, school, and family, my calls seemed to fizzle. The twice a month has turned into a once every two months or longer.
The call from my mom reminded me of the concept of our own mortality and how we need to take advantage of every moment. It also reminds me that we need to cherish the times with our elders. I just don't know when God is going to call them home (this is a very sobering write).
I want my kids to see their great-grandparents. I hope they have a great time there.
Encourage your children to see or call their grandparents. It takes a couple of minutes or a weekend visit. There is no off season for your encouragement. Lend me your thoughts.
i am terrible about keeping n touch...with everybody. i need 2 call them.
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