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There is a special bond that grows between grandparents and their grandchildren. I have experienced it on both ends.
Unfortunately, the only grandparent I knew was my dad's mother. All my others were deceased by the time I came along. Granny Campbell, Dad's mom, passed away the year I turned 14, in February prior to my May birthday. I knew her best by playing at her house with my cousins, who lived with her, some right near her home. In fact, she took care of some of them quite often, and helped raise three of them.
My mom and dad had a close relationship with all their grandchildren. My daughters and I lived with them for several years. My own grandchildren I feel a real bond with, because we visited and spent lots of time together. Dubby and I took a trip to Disneyland in Florida with two of them; I spent several weeks caring for another grandchild, spent time living with some of them.
The great-grands are also close and we spend as much time together as possible. Their parents, my grands, provide me with opportunities to be with them.
I am very blessed. Would you like to share some experiences you have had?
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Farewells...
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Farewells...a natural part of life. There are all kinds and occasions for saying good-bye. Our lives are full of them, from the time in our life that we can understand the words, until the final time.
One of the interesting things about these occasions is the fact that we never are aware that when we use those words, it could be the last on this earth for them or us.
I was reminded of that fact almost five years ago. My husband, Dubby, and I had just been in Texas for two weeks. I had gotten him settled in the nursing home. I hugged him goodbye and kissed him.
"I'll be back in a week, cause I have to go back to Tennessee and pack up the house to move the furniture and stuff. I love you, Baby!"
When I got back to Texas, I was tired from traveling for two days, so instead of going to see him after I knew he was most likely asleep, I decided to wait till the next morning.
The next morning, early, we got the phone call that he had gone to be with the Lord during the night. When I talked to his nurse the next week, he told me that Dubby had told him that he was going home that night, meaning home to be with Jesus.
A missed opportunity on my part? I realized he was most likely happier to be where he was than here with me . After all, what a wonderful exchange for him!
As much as I enjoy life, and, believe me, I do, I'm not dreading to say my final farewell. When the body will refuse to move, with all its aches and pains, when even sleep is interrupted by aches and pains, life becomes difficult.
The final good-bye becomes inevitable. We never know when we are going to be called from this life. Are you prepared to meet The Lord?
Farewells...a natural part of life. There are all kinds and occasions for saying good-bye. Our lives are full of them, from the time in our life that we can understand the words, until the final time.
One of the interesting things about these occasions is the fact that we never are aware that when we use those words, it could be the last on this earth for them or us.
I was reminded of that fact almost five years ago. My husband, Dubby, and I had just been in Texas for two weeks. I had gotten him settled in the nursing home. I hugged him goodbye and kissed him.
"I'll be back in a week, cause I have to go back to Tennessee and pack up the house to move the furniture and stuff. I love you, Baby!"
When I got back to Texas, I was tired from traveling for two days, so instead of going to see him after I knew he was most likely asleep, I decided to wait till the next morning.
The next morning, early, we got the phone call that he had gone to be with the Lord during the night. When I talked to his nurse the next week, he told me that Dubby had told him that he was going home that night, meaning home to be with Jesus.
A missed opportunity on my part? I realized he was most likely happier to be where he was than here with me . After all, what a wonderful exchange for him!
As much as I enjoy life, and, believe me, I do, I'm not dreading to say my final farewell. When the body will refuse to move, with all its aches and pains, when even sleep is interrupted by aches and pains, life becomes difficult.
The final good-bye becomes inevitable. We never know when we are going to be called from this life. Are you prepared to meet The Lord?
Monday, April 6, 2015
Equality
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The object of my post today is not to debate the matter of equality. We are all aware that inequality exists everywhere. Rather, it is to get your response to the question of equality in America.
When my daughters were little, I attempted giving to them equally. If one of them received a new dress, the other one was the recipient of a new one, as well. I never wanted either of them to feel she was less or more important to me than the other. I still don't.
A great debate looms over our country today, over inequality of rights. I'm not going into that discussion, just mentioning a few. The races; the sexes; rich people versus poor people; education: are all in a period of flux. You can probably name a few more.
These inequalities have been around forever. Don't expect them to change. That does not mean, however, that people won't continue with group and individual campaigns in their wars for justice.
Do any of these get your knickers in a twist? Are you doing anything to change any of them? If so, would you like to share?
The object of my post today is not to debate the matter of equality. We are all aware that inequality exists everywhere. Rather, it is to get your response to the question of equality in America.
When my daughters were little, I attempted giving to them equally. If one of them received a new dress, the other one was the recipient of a new one, as well. I never wanted either of them to feel she was less or more important to me than the other. I still don't.
A great debate looms over our country today, over inequality of rights. I'm not going into that discussion, just mentioning a few. The races; the sexes; rich people versus poor people; education: are all in a period of flux. You can probably name a few more.
These inequalities have been around forever. Don't expect them to change. That does not mean, however, that people won't continue with group and individual campaigns in their wars for justice.
Do any of these get your knickers in a twist? Are you doing anything to change any of them? If so, would you like to share?
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Defining Moments
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Defining moments in our lives quite often occur without warning, and also our awareness at the time.
The moment when you get a gift, or are hired for a job - the day you meet your future mate - or when you get into your car for a routine trip down to the grocery and are hit head-on by another car. All of those can be defining moments influencing the rest of our lives.
For me, one of my most recent life-changing moments was when I was offered a big kitty cat who needed a home. By big, I mean an eighteen pound one. She is named Bella and now has the run of my home and tries to boss me around, as well. I gave her the name Bella, because it is Italian for beautiful, and she is.
She loves to sit herself on my quilting as I try to stitch it on my sewing machine. She loves being near me, and is never very far away from me. She has changed my life tremendously. Now, I talk to her instead of to the television. We communicate quite nicely.
Do you have a "Bella" in your life?
What were some "Defining Moments" in your life?
Defining moments in our lives quite often occur without warning, and also our awareness at the time.
The moment when you get a gift, or are hired for a job - the day you meet your future mate - or when you get into your car for a routine trip down to the grocery and are hit head-on by another car. All of those can be defining moments influencing the rest of our lives.
For me, one of my most recent life-changing moments was when I was offered a big kitty cat who needed a home. By big, I mean an eighteen pound one. She is named Bella and now has the run of my home and tries to boss me around, as well. I gave her the name Bella, because it is Italian for beautiful, and she is.
She loves to sit herself on my quilting as I try to stitch it on my sewing machine. She loves being near me, and is never very far away from me. She has changed my life tremendously. Now, I talk to her instead of to the television. We communicate quite nicely.
Do you have a "Bella" in your life?
What were some "Defining Moments" in your life?
Friday, April 3, 2015
Compassion
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One of the leading characteristics of Jesus Christ is that of compassion. Dr. Spurgeon, the great evangelist says that when Jesus looked on the sorrows of mankind, his inner being was agitated with deep feelings of pity and compassion. (my translation).
I believe that today's society is deeply lacking in compassion for one another. It is simply easier to condemn or to look the other way when we see situations that could use some sorrow and pity; some understanding could only help.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the phrase, "He was moved with compassion" occurs five times. Each time, Matthew is speaking of Jesus' love and caring for other human beings.
Think how much sorrow He must feel as He sees the world as it is today. People everywhere still in need of healing, angry with one another, hungry for power, all the way from school children bullying one another to adults killing each other, up to countries that can't get along with one another.
Even with the advance of modern medicine, electronics, communications, and bigger and better war machines, compassion is still sadly lacking. Go figure! Man is still fallen.
On Sunday, Christians everywhere celebrate Easter, the day when Jesus came back from the death for mankind's sake, after conquering sin and the grave. His heart broke as he hung on the cross. He is still full of compassion for the lost and dying world. Jesus saves!!!
One of the leading characteristics of Jesus Christ is that of compassion. Dr. Spurgeon, the great evangelist says that when Jesus looked on the sorrows of mankind, his inner being was agitated with deep feelings of pity and compassion. (my translation).
I believe that today's society is deeply lacking in compassion for one another. It is simply easier to condemn or to look the other way when we see situations that could use some sorrow and pity; some understanding could only help.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the phrase, "He was moved with compassion" occurs five times. Each time, Matthew is speaking of Jesus' love and caring for other human beings.
Think how much sorrow He must feel as He sees the world as it is today. People everywhere still in need of healing, angry with one another, hungry for power, all the way from school children bullying one another to adults killing each other, up to countries that can't get along with one another.
Even with the advance of modern medicine, electronics, communications, and bigger and better war machines, compassion is still sadly lacking. Go figure! Man is still fallen.
On Sunday, Christians everywhere celebrate Easter, the day when Jesus came back from the death for mankind's sake, after conquering sin and the grave. His heart broke as he hung on the cross. He is still full of compassion for the lost and dying world. Jesus saves!!!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
The Boredom Valley
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Have you made the claim lately of being bored? Shame on you!
Boredom is not a word or feeling with which I am well-acquainted. My mind is a busy place, and quite often my daughters claim they think it must be a scary one as well. Ha ha.
I don't believe there should ever be an acceptance of the statement, "I'm b-o-o-o-r-e-d! There's nothing to do!"
Children, and adults as well, should have more that can occupy time and minds than at any time before.
If there is nothing to do with hands, there is creative thinking. There are books to read, radios, CD's, magazines, yes, even the Comics to look at, and understand, even if one can't read them.
It seems there are few who don't have access to modern media of some kind. There are always things to learn, new horizons to explore, minds to expand.
Call a shut-in you know, if you can't get out, and cheer them up. It'll cheer you up as well.
Write! For goodness sake, record ideas, memories, songs.
I know I'm preaching to the choir here, because most of you reading this are writers. (Smiley inserted here)
A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Hey, I think maybe I've heard that expression someplace before, haven't you?
Have you made the claim lately of being bored? Shame on you!
Boredom is not a word or feeling with which I am well-acquainted. My mind is a busy place, and quite often my daughters claim they think it must be a scary one as well. Ha ha.
I don't believe there should ever be an acceptance of the statement, "I'm b-o-o-o-r-e-d! There's nothing to do!"
Children, and adults as well, should have more that can occupy time and minds than at any time before.
If there is nothing to do with hands, there is creative thinking. There are books to read, radios, CD's, magazines, yes, even the Comics to look at, and understand, even if one can't read them.
It seems there are few who don't have access to modern media of some kind. There are always things to learn, new horizons to explore, minds to expand.
Call a shut-in you know, if you can't get out, and cheer them up. It'll cheer you up as well.
Write! For goodness sake, record ideas, memories, songs.
I know I'm preaching to the choir here, because most of you reading this are writers. (Smiley inserted here)
A mind is a terrible thing to waste! Hey, I think maybe I've heard that expression someplace before, haven't you?
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Auntie Em
( Please ignore comment moderation at end - it is turned off - I just don't know how to get rid of the "Captcha" thingy. Thanks) Please comment if you would. Thanks.
I, too, like Dorothy, had an Aunt Em. However, we called her "Auntie", but, being Southern Country, we pronounced it as "Ain'ty".
Now, Aunt Emmaline was born back in the 1870's or thereabouts, and wore the long black dresses of that era. I, being born in the 1930's, knew her mostly in the 1940's through the 1950's.
She was my Mama's aunt, and her daddy's sister. Auntie was a caregiver and "stayed" with people who were ill. She carried a doctor's black bag with her and, I suppose, fancied herself equal pretty much to a doctor. Auntie was a diminutive woman, only about five feet tall, I believe.
Occasionally, Mama would receive a letter bearing tidings of a coming visit from Auntie.
Auntie had a wry mouth (twisted to one side) and an extra little finger on one hand. Quite often when mealtime was over, she would shake that extra little finger and speaking from that wry mouth, tell a leftover that she was having it for supper. I reckon maybe she was telling us as much as she was the leftover.
When bedtime came, it fell to me to share my bed with her. When she came to visit, I got very little sleep because she sounded like a buzz saw.
Do you have any "Auntie's" in your acquaintance?
I, too, like Dorothy, had an Aunt Em. However, we called her "Auntie", but, being Southern Country, we pronounced it as "Ain'ty".
Now, Aunt Emmaline was born back in the 1870's or thereabouts, and wore the long black dresses of that era. I, being born in the 1930's, knew her mostly in the 1940's through the 1950's.
She was my Mama's aunt, and her daddy's sister. Auntie was a caregiver and "stayed" with people who were ill. She carried a doctor's black bag with her and, I suppose, fancied herself equal pretty much to a doctor. Auntie was a diminutive woman, only about five feet tall, I believe.
Occasionally, Mama would receive a letter bearing tidings of a coming visit from Auntie.
Auntie had a wry mouth (twisted to one side) and an extra little finger on one hand. Quite often when mealtime was over, she would shake that extra little finger and speaking from that wry mouth, tell a leftover that she was having it for supper. I reckon maybe she was telling us as much as she was the leftover.
When bedtime came, it fell to me to share my bed with her. When she came to visit, I got very little sleep because she sounded like a buzz saw.
Do you have any "Auntie's" in your acquaintance?
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