Grummy

I have a relationship with my grandmother that is the definition of unconditional love....she has modeled grace, forgiveness, encouragement, support, fun, passion and all things wonderful for me since I arrived on the planet. Her indomitable spirit has given me courage to do what needs done more times than I can count.
She introduced me to Jesus...
taught me to bake chocolate chip cookies....
"beachcombed" on the banks of the Ohio with me from the time I could walk...
demonstrates the power of prayer by always believing that is the first and best option....
picked me up from Skate Country countless Friday nights....
sent me notes all through college...
loves on my kiddos by making them corn flake chews and individually wrapping them in wax paper....
epitomizes the truth of I Corinthians 13 by walking it out every day....
she lost her husband when she was only 38, with sons aged 18, 8 and 6...
she lost her youngest son to a recurring battle with a brain tumor when he was just 42...
she's had her heart broken a number of times in a number of ways, and still she remains strong, courageous, faithful, and maintains her sense of humor.


She practices what she preaches, and I'm who I am because of her love. I am forever thankful that she's my grandmother.

This past week has been a long and difficult one. Grum threw a bloodclot to her bowel last Wednesday, perhaps as she was shovelling snow. Her 83 years don't seem to register, as she mows the yard, climbs steps to the river, tends other people's house sitting and serves everyone she knows.

I don't care to think what might have happened had my uncle not gone to check on her Friday morning. If we hadn't had a snow day, we might not have her with us. I am so thankful for God's hand, especially when I can't see it until after the fact.

After a long, invasive surgery and a lot of challenges ( she's too much of a lady for me to broadcast her particulars to the internet ;) ) we have her recovering well--even though she has quite a road ahead of her. I'm so very thankful for timing, skilled surgeons, kind nurses, and praying people. I am thankful. So thankful.

Grummy, you are amazing. Thanks for loving each of us the way that you do. May we honor you by loving others in much the same way. I'm so thankful I have you to walk alongside me as I learn the way.