Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and
the glory of children is their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6
Our first grandchild is due in October and we already
love him. People ask me what I want to
be called when the baby arrives. I can’t
think of anything better than being “grand” to someone.
The sonogram picture reveals a little tipped-up nose and
a tiny hand held in a thumbs-up fist. Our anticipation of his arrival heightens
as his mother’s waistline expands toward the joyous occasion of meeting him
face-to-face.
The expectation of becoming “grand” has me reminiscing
about my own grandparents. My Grandmother Searcy was a feisty woman. She cherished her family. She loved Jesus all of her ninety-two years
on earth. She was as tall as she was
wide which directed her to shop in the oxymoron section of the department
stores when purchasing dresses to fit her petite-extra-large frame.
She had beautiful brown eyes full of love for her young grandchildren. When we spent the night at her house she
would tuck us in with a kiss and a prayer.
We woke tot a delicious breakfast of steaming bowls of oatmeal topped
with scoops of ice cream.
Grandmother understood my childish eight-year-old
curiosity. She graciously opened her
dresser drawers and jewelry boxes allowing me to explore items that were
usually hidden behind closed doors. This
generous act of kindness kept me out of her hair for a bit while I touched silk
scarves, smelled rose sachets, and tried-on heirloom pieces.
Born in the early 1900’s my grandmother had a strong
sense of propriety associated with that generation. She expected proper behavior and etiquette from
her children and grandchildren. Grandmother
didn’t mind speaking her mind, but she was often subtle when making a point.
As evidenced when she thought the dress I was wearing in
my wedding engagement photograph was a little too revealing. She took a pen and added a bodice to my dress
before displaying the picture on her bookshelf.
Grandmother loved the independence of living in her own
home, but her waning health required additional medical attention. The nursing home’s convenient visiting hours and
spacious living areas extended the visitation opportunities.
Grandmother enjoyed the company. Her family had grown quite large by now and all
the people crowding into her room soon became reunions. During our visits with her we shared memories
and caught up with current events. It
was a delightful assembly of people with the same bloodline sharing stories, giving
hugs, and laughing as we recalled childhood memories.
One evening, I was alone in the hospital room with Grandmother. She was in a coma and had not responded to any
conversations that day. I decided to express
my love for her before going home.
I told her how much I appreciated her faithful testimony. I said it was a blessing to know she always prayed
for me, my husband and our son. I
reassured her I was a Christian today because of her commitment to the Lord.
She never opened her eyes or spoke to me, but she lifted
her arms above her head and began to proclaim, “Thank you, Jesus, for this
testimony!” I remained silent,
cherishing the privilege of being in the presence of holiness as she spoke
directly to the Lord. I quietly exited
the room. She died the next day
surrounded by her children.
Grandparents are the standard bearers for the family. They have earned this recognition by moving
up the ranks from parents to in-laws to the coveted status of grandparents. It is with a heart full of love and humility
that I anticipate my son and BDIL (beautiful daughter-in-law) bestowing upon me
the position of grandmother – it is the most “Grand” time of my life!
