What Surprises Me
I am surprised by how quickly my attitude changed from wondering "How am I going to get out of the house to do everything I need to do?" to wanting to stay home. Most things can wait.
I am surprised that God can give me--me!--unlimited patience.
I am surprised at how peaceful and sweet and funny my testy grandmother has become. "I never wanted to live to be 93." "But Nanny, you have so many wonderful memories." "Yes, but none of them happened after I turned 93."
I am surprised by the truth of what everyone has said: that I'll be glad I did this. I thought they meant that later I'd be glad. I didn't know I'd be glad right now.
32 comments:
God is so good, gracious, merciful...
Anna, you have been, and will continue to be so blessed by the honor you are giving your grandmother.
My grandmother(Nanny also!) told me the other day, "I'm older right now than either of my parents lived to be." It is always surprising(and sweet, and funny) to me what Nannies think about.
God bless you Anna, and your Nanny.
Your grandmother's remark reminds me so much of my own grandmother!
And it is so true, you'll be glad. My mother died when I was 23. I was with her in the days before and as she went to be with the Lord. I've been grateful for 7 years.
Isn't it lovely to be surprised once again by the faithfulness of our great God? May He continue to pour out His blessings in your heart as you serve your family to His praise!
What a wonderful thing, that our Lord has given you your gladness now, as a gift, instead of waiting until later.
Your Nanny is so witty! I had to immediately share with my husband and mother. Did you hug her after that? I think I would have had to! Still smiling....
I wonder if I'll still feel strange about being the adult if I reach 93?
Do we ever really grow into our age? Even with that many years to our credit?
Anna - Isn't God good? All the time!!! Continue to enjoy every moment to the fullest.
thanks for sharing these...
God is sufficient for all needs and desires!
My Nanna died at 93 while I was in the thick of toddlers underfoot and I so regret not travelling to the nursing home to visit her. Everything seemed so impossible for me in those days. What a blessing to both you and your grandmother to have each other in these days!
Thankyou for sharing your beautiful blog with others.
Beauty for ashes popped into my head as I read this. I always assumed ashes meant there had been a big roaring fire, and losing everything, but thinking on it, ashes can come from a little tiny fire too. Some may view shouldering the care of an elderly, fading relative as a large roaring bonfire of inconveniance(sp?)or duty, yet the Lord has opened your eyes to the beauty of having your Nanny in your home, and sharing this time with her, and He will by no means let your sacrifices go unnoticed.
Hope this makes sense, its not even 6AM yet, so I'm still not fully functioning...
Hugs- Mrs. Bonnie
I'm so glad you have this precious time with your Nanny. Mine is in an alzheimer's unit right now and will be 95 this year. She comes up with some pretty witty things, herself. ;o)
I know you're cherishing this time.
Praying for you all.
You have a beautiful family and blog! I've been lurking for a while through google subscriptions but just wanted to pop over to the real thing and say HI!
God bless,
Sallie
P.S. I meant to also say that my grandmother lived with us when I was a child. Your children will have such great memories that will last them a lifetime!!
God bless,
Sallie
Well put, thanks for sharing your thoughts and gratitude.
Love your Nanny's honesty!
deb meyers
My grandfather (age 92) lived with Michael and I for one year - then he moved to other family for a partial year - then at the age of 93 he passed away.
The year he spent in our home was difficult and I do have a few regrets (mostly my attitude - at times) but on the other hand it was one of the most precious years of my life. I got to KNOW Grandfather. I actually decided to write his story (http://www.moneymakingmamas.org/2007/12/give-gift-that-will-give-back-to-you.html). I learned so much and came to appreciate him - because I "sat" him down and pulled out of him - who he was, his life and his journey. It was a gift that I gave him - to be heard and it's the gift that keeps giving to me and my family...the legacy written down.
My regrets? I wish I had more coffee time with Grandfather.
blessings to you Anna and your Grandma.
So glad you are able to appreciate the journey while you are on it.
Our Lord is so wonderful. What a blessing to be given your gift of gladness now! Cherish these moments. I'm 47 years old and my granny died when I was 27, only in her 60's, how I would love for her to still be here.
BTW: Anna your blog is wonderful! I enjoy coming here and reading about your family's life. I would love to see photos of your 1920's schoolhouse/home.
there is joy in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. :o)
what a sweet post you shared today. one of my favorites.
I love that comment from your grandmother. Priceless.
His grace is sufficient....
I love your blog!
I cannot resist commenting on your Nanny. :)
I also took care of my "Granny" until she passed away almost three years ago. Those memories will always be some of my most cherished.
Take care and God bless!
Jonna
Such a great post. I have been there,done that, and I know just what you're talking about. Now you're on the Other Side and understand things you didn't, before.
I find your blog inspirational, often. Happy Valentine's Day.
I cannot tell you what a blessing this, and all the other posts have been. As I watch my own parents age (well into their 80's) I am encouraged and inspired. Your love and grace and His strength imparted are such a blessing.
so happy to hear you say this... and what a sense of humor your granny has! I'm thankful for each day that you are able to spend with her.
:) Sending you a soft, warm smile with nicely teary eyes... Continue to enjoy and be glad...
Rhonda in Montreal
And besides it being a blessing for you--what a blessing for your sweet children to have your Grandma there. What cool memories they'll have for the rest of their lives. I grew up with my great grandma and her 5 sisters. I have a wealth of stories and special memories that I have with each of them. I miss them all terribly but they shaped who I am. The Lord is good.
God never ceases to amaze us!
Kelly
Oh Anna, I am so glad. I have been praying for you and your dear grandmother (and mother). God is so full of pleasant surprises. May you all continue to walk under His wing and in the fullness of His blessings.
my continued prayers;
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Anna,
I am praying for you and your family. And to add my voice and encouragement...you will be glad you did this. :)
One of the things I am most proud and thankful for was the people in my family coming together to care for my grandmother at the end of her life. For six months we rotated caring for her around the clock. It was a true testimony of our love, devotion and respect for her.
Take care!!
Leigh
Thanks for your honesty. As believers we know God will sustain us & yet it is a surprise when our attitudes are intune with His. My husband & I have been going through every hardship imaginable in the last 8 months (miscarriage, to health problems to his job loss) & yet we are so thankful! We've both marveled at how God has quieted our hearts.
Oh, I too was able to help my mother care for my grandmother in her last days. Such a huge blessing!
Blessings & prayers,
Leslie
Loved this!
I've been scrolling through your *old* posts and came across thes on your journey with your Grandma....so PRECIOUS! So difficult. So rewarding! It was 2008 when I went to live with an Auntie in Wales to help her help our Uncle die at home. How heartwrenching and beautiful it was...all at the same time! The LORD gives the grace at the time we need it. What a privilege you had to help your Grandma travel the road to glory....you wrote it all out in such a lovely way.
Many blessings,
Camille
Post a Comment